Gatwick refuelling workers balloted for strike action in pay dispute

Aircraft refuelling workers at Gatwick Airport are being balloted for strike action in a dispute over pay and overtime rates.

Aircraft refuelling workers at Gatwick Airport are being balloted for strike action in a dispute over pay and overtime rates.

The Unite union said tanker drivers and operators employed by Menzies on the Shell contract had rejected a 3.5 per cent pay offer.

The workers refuel aircraft operated by Wizz Air, Ryanair, Air China, China Southern, Malta Air, Turkish Airlines, Air Baltic, SkyAlps and Air Peace.

According to Unite, the airlines carry between 7,000 and 8,000 Gatwick passengers each day, raising the prospect of disruption if industrial action goes ahead.

The workers are seeking a 4.5 per cent pay rise and want their overtime rate brought into line with other Menzies employees at Gatwick.

Unite said the refuellers currently receive time and a third for overtime, compared with time and a half for other Menzies staff at the airport.

The union pointed to Menzies’ reported global revenues of $3 billion in 2025 and Shell’s reported profits of $6.92 billion during the first quarter of 2026.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Menzies can afford to pay workers fairly and it should pay them fairly. Unite is totally focused on improving our members’ jobs, pay and conditions and the workforce at Menzies have Unite’s total support.”

Unite also accused Menzies of damaging industrial relations by repeatedly putting forward the same offer and using aggressive tactics to persuade workers to accept it.

The ballot is due to close on August 11, with any potential industrial action expected to begin shortly afterwards.

Unite regional officer Ben Davis said: “Gatwick passengers will not be pleased that their summer getaways could be ruined because Menzies’ greed has resulted in their planes sitting on the tarmac. Strikes can still be avoided but Menzies needs to stop trying to strongarm our members and return with a decent offer.”

A Menzies Aviation spokesperson: "We are disappointed by Unite's decision to announce potential industrial action while the ballot process remains ongoing, and mediation discussions are still to take place. We remain committed to engaging constructively with Unite and our employees as discussions continue. While the ballot process is still ongoing and further discussions are scheduled, our focus remains on reaching a positive outcome for all parties. We have comprehensive contingency plans in place and are working closely with our airline and airport partners to maintain safe and reliable services."

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