East Midlands Airport DHL workers announce 10-day strike over pay

Staff strikes are planned until 19 February

Staff working for an aviation company at East Midlands Airport have announced a 10-day strike action in a row over pay.

Unite, the union representing the workers at DHL Aviation, says the action was called after staff rejected a pay increase of 9.8%.

It also said strikes were due to start on 9 February.

DHL Aviation UK said it was hoping to resolve the dispute and service at the airport would be maintained.

It added the decision was made by a "small proportion of employees".

Members of the union rejected a pay increase

Unite claims the 180 workers who undertake ramp duties, provide aircraft handling and oversee the tower at the airport, are paid "as little as £10.96 an hour".

It said the employees striking rejected DHL's offer as the "real rate of inflation (RPI) stood at 11.3% in April 2023, when the increase was due".

A spokesperson for DHL Aviation UK said: "We are disappointed that Unite and its members have voted in favour of industrial action at our East Midlands Airport operation.

"This decision has been made by a small proportion of employees working for DHL Aviation UK and talks continue to resolve this situation.

"Contingency planning is in place to ensure service is maintained for our customers."