Potential strikes could cause disruption at major airport |
More than 100 employees of ABM, which provides support for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), are voting on industrial action in a dispute over pay after negotiations with the company broke down.
Unite the union said any strike would cause significant disruption, as flights would require extra time to board passengers relying on the PRM service.
The workers have rejected ABM’s latest pay offer, arguing it fails to reflect the skilled nature of their roles and rising living costs.
Many are paid below the London Living Wage of £14.80 an hour.
Unite claims the PRM operation—contracted to ABM by Stansted’s owners, Manchester Airport Group—remains profitable, despite staff being “constantly expected to undertake more and more work”.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our hardworking members at ABM deserve better and will have Unite’s full support during this dispute.”
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The union said growing passenger numbers in recent years have increased pressure on ABM staff, some of whom require advanced vehicle qualifications to operate minibuses and Ambi lifts used to transport passengers.
The ballot closes on April 1, with potential industrial action from mid-April if no agreement is reached.
Unite regional officer Steve Edwards added: “We recognise that passengers who use PRM services will be concerned about possible delays, but this dispute lies entirely with ABM’s refusal to pay a fair wage. There is still time to avoid strike action if the company returns to the table with a reasonable offer.”