Unite, the UK’s leading union, has warned London City airport that it will take legal action on behalf of its members unless the company keeps its promises regarding workers’ pay.

City Airport unfair treatment

At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic London City Airport temporarily closed its doors and the vast majority of its workforce were furloughed.

Workers were informed in writing that while they were on furlough they would receive 100 per cent  of their pay but when they began to be paid it became apparent that they were only receiving 100 per cent of basic pay.

Huge pay gap

This has meant that part-time workers are losing between £600-£900 a month while full-time workers are losing up to £2,000 a month.

The workers have attempted to raise the matter directly with London City Airport but have been rebuffed.

Wage underpayments

Unite is campaigning for formal recognition at the airport while providing legal support and representation to those affected by these wage underpayments.

The workers are now raising formal grievances and their union, Unite, is now preparing to take employment tribunal cases in support of its members.

Moving goalposts

Unite regional officer Mercedes Sanchez said: “London City Airport committed to paying its workers 100 per cent while they were on furlough. It is now guilty of trying to move the goalposts, using sleight of hand to reduce employees’ earnings.

 “Suggestions that overtime pay cannot be included under the government’s job retention scheme are simply untrue.

“Workers are thousands of pounds out of pocket.

 “This matter could and should be resolved via negotiation but City Airport has refused to meet with the union.

 “If City Airport refuses to resolve the matter then Unite will have no option but to take the company to an employment tribunal to defend our members from this wage raid.”