EasyJet passengers flying from Luton just before and after Christmas face disruption as DHL workers who handle check in and baggage have voted to strike in a dispute over pay.
Around 200 staff who work on easyJet routes to destinations including Spain, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic will walk out over two periods covering some of the busiest days of the festive season.
The strikes will take place from 3am on Friday 19 December to 3am on Monday 22 December, then again from 3am on Boxing Day to 3am on Monday 29 December.
The action falls during what the Civil Aviation Authority expects to be the busiest Christmas ever for UK aviation. Luton carried more than 16.2 million passengers last year with 1.2 million of them travelling in December alone. Any walkout is expected to delay flights and could lead to cancellations, with Unite estimating about 410 departures will be affected.
The staff are outsourced to easyJet by DHL and work on check in desks and in baggage handling. Workers have rejected a 4.5 per cent pay rise which they say falls short given rising food, fuel and heating bills. Unite argues DHL staff at Gatwick earn about £3 an hour more for the same role.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “DHL and easyJet can comfortably afford to offer these workers an above inflation pay rise. It is shameful that hardworking members can’t afford the basics and they are paid less than their counterparts.
“These companies must stop putting profits over people and come back to the table with a fair pay offer to avoid this disruptive strike, which is entirely of their making.”
In recent financial results DHL Group reported operating profits of €1.4billion for the second quarter of 2025, up 5.7 per cent. EasyJet has said it expects profits of more than £700million in the 12 months to September 2025.
One worker said: “I was in debt from a previous low paid job, but this hasn’t ended as my pay isn’t enough. I have the same routine of dedicating myself to a job where I can only cover rent and food.
“I can’t afford to save to give a better life to my child or spend enough time with my child.”
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: “We know passengers set to fly easyJet from Luton on these dates will be concerned, but the dispute is entirely the fault of DHL who can well afford to pay these workers a wage they can live on but are choosing not to.
“Strike action could still be avoided, but that now hinges on DHL returning to negotiations with an offer that is acceptable to our members.”
An EasyJet spokesperson said: “We are disappointed to hear of the planned industrial action by Unite ground handlers employed by DHL at London Luton Airport on 19th to 21st and 26th to 28th December.
“Should this action go ahead, we will work closely with the airport and DHL to ensure that robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any disruption, so we are currently expecting to operate our full flying programme on these dates. In the meantime we urge DHL and Unite to reach an agreement as soon as possible.”
A DHL spokesperson said: “We are deeply disappointed that 57 per cent of Unite members have voted in favour of industrial action at our London Luton Airport operation.
“Our current pay offer is above inflation and continues to build on four consecutive years of above-inflation pay increases.
“We remain committed to constructive talks to reach a solution that recognises the value of our colleagues while safeguarding the long-term competitiveness of the operation.
“However, robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any potential disruption should the action go ahead.”
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