Luton easyJet passengers are facing Christmas disruption as workers ballot for strike action.
EasyJet check-in and baggage-handling staff employed by DHL are balloting for strike action over pay.
The workers are balloting until December 4 and, as a result, strike action may severely impact easyJet’s Luton operations.
Around 200 workers are being balloted over an inadequate pay offer from DHL, easyJet’s ground handling operator, of 3.6 per cent from October 1, 2025 and a further 0.6 per cent from January 1, 2026.
DHL workers claim this offer is a real terms pay cut as the current RPI inflation rate stands at 4.5 per cent. Ground handlers at Luton Airport are not employed by easyJet.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘DHL and easyJet are both extremely profitable companies and can fully afford to put forward a fair pay offer.
‘Our members employed by DHL at Luton Airport will receive maximum support from Unite to achieve a reasonable pay deal.’
In the second quarter of 2025, DHL Group’s operating profits increased by 5.7 per cent to €1.4billion (£1.2billion).
EasyJet check-in and baggage-handling staff employed by DHL are balloting for strike action over pay
Meanwhile, easyJet has announced it expects profits of more than £700 million in the 12 months to September 2025.
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: ‘Strike action can still be avoided but that will require an acceptable offer being tabled by DHL.’
London Luton Airport said: ‘We are aware of ongoing discussions between easyJet and their ground handling operator DHL. We will be working with easyJet to understand what contingencies will be in place should industrial action go ahead.’
EasyJet said: ‘While there is currently no planned strike action by DHL staff at Luton airport, we urge DHL and Unite to reach an agreement as soon as possible to ensure there is no impact on passengers.’
A spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said: ‘We are disappointed that Unite the Union has announced its intention to ballot members at Luton airport over the pay offer. We remain open for meaningful talks and hope to reach a satisfactory outcome for both parties.’
It comes after nearly 300,000 air passengers had their plans ruined after 1,500 flights were cancelled over two days due to a crippling strike by French air traffic controllers earlier this year.
EasyJet axed more than 270 flights and Ryanair said 70,000 fliers were impacted after it cancelled 468 services over the two days.
Plus, industrial action disrupted several Spanish airports in August, with staff striking over claims of ‘constant breaches’ of labour rights and ‘continuous precariousness’.
The workers are balloting until December 4. Strike action may severely impact easyJet’s Luton operations
EasyJet has its headquarters at Luton Airport, and also runs flights from Gatwick.
In recent news, easyJet hit headlines as it announced it will donate thousands of retired crew uniforms to support British families struggling to deal with the rising cost of school clothing.
As part of a crew uniform update, the airline aims to recycle or donate 100 per cent of retired garments from its old uniform.
It will pass on items that are still fit for reuse to support a range of charities in areas near its operations.
It comes as 58 per cent of British households are struggling with the financial pressures of school uniforms, according to research from the airline.
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EasyJet disruption looms for Christmas as workers ballot for strike
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