Gatwick immigration services workers call off strike after pay deal
The workers voted in favour of a 6% pay increase.
Strike action by workers supporting the UK Border Force at Gatwick’s immigration gates has been cancelled after staff accepted a new pay offer.
The workers, employed by OCS, voted in favour of a six per cent pay increase, which will be backdated to April 2025.
OCS originally offered a two per cent rise before negotiations continued.
A strike was scheduled for 27th October, but this and earlier planned action have now been called off following the improved deal.
H2: Unite says negotiations delivered better pay for Gatwick staff
Unite, the union representing the OCS workers, said the agreement marked a significant win after talks.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Congratulations to OCS Gatwick workers – by being prepared to take strike action they secured a huge increase in their pay offer. Once again, Unite’s total focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is winning for our members.”
Industrial action earlier in October was suspended to allow negotiations to continue before the final deal was reached.
Last year, Unite secured an average pay rise of 8.3 per cent for over 4,600 airport workers employed at Gatwick by various companies.
Unite’s regional coordinating officer Dominic Rothwell said: “Unite’s work at Gatwick shows why it is the union for the UK’s airport and aviation workers. Workers who want better wages and working lives should join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”