Christmas strikes looming at London Southend Airport that could hit easyJet and Ryanair customers

PASSENGERS travelling through London Southend Airport this Christmas could face disruptions to their flights after workers vote to strike.

The walk-out could cause misery for travellers heading on holiday this festive season.

1

Members of trade union GMB voted today to strike due to Stobart Aviation, who own Southend Airport, failing to recognise the union, according to City AM.

Other complaints included contract changes and pay disparities against other staff at the airport.

Gary Pearce, GMB Regional Organiser said in a statement: “Our members at Southend Airport who work in baggage handling, security, aircraft dispatch and flight operations have been raising their concerns with management in relation to the lack of staff, lack of protective clothing insufficient training, changes to their contracts and what they are paid compared to staff in other local airports for months.

“Stobart Aviation and Stobart Aviation Services failure to accept GMB members request to formally recognise their Union for the purpose of collective bargaining and all related matters has left our members with no alternative other than to take strike action over the Christmas holiday.

“Both Stobart Aviation Services and Stobart Aviation can prevent the travel chaos at Southend Airport by simply agreeing to provide GMB with a formal agreement.”

However, Southend Airport has reassured passengers that they will not be affected by the strike.

A spokesperson from the airport told Sun Online Travel: “London Southend Airport has a comprehensive action plan in place to ensure that this suggested action from GMB does not impact on our passengers’ well-earned Christmas breaks.”

Nearly one million passengers travel through London Southend Airport, with the majority of flights with easyJet and Ryanair.

FLIGHTMARE

Plane seconds from disaster as pilot FORGOT to lower landing wheels

PLANE CREEPY

Eerie photos of abandoned Cyprus airport with last holiday jet still on tarmac

RIDE ON

First pictures of huge £3.5BILLION theme park set to open 20 minutes from London

NOT HORSING AROUND

Overweight tourists to be fined £25k for taking donkey rides in Greece

WHALE OF A TIME

Swim with killer whales in the wild on your next holiday from £200

WHAT A FLAKE

Family furious over Tui ‘charging £400 to visit unfinished snow village’

Brits are already facing travel chaos as South Western Railway strikes last for 27 days over Christmas.

If you don’t fancy leaving the country this month, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas markets in the UK.

Theme parks in Britain also have some exciting festive events on this month.