DHL (UNITE) Strike Calendar

Following extensive negotiations with DHL Aviation, the company put forward an improved offer of a four per cent increase to base rates, effective from 1 April 2024. In addition, workers’ skill bandings will increase, which is worth an estimated three to four per cent depending on their role, not including improvements to their shift or weekend premiums.

The latest rises build on an average 9.8 per cent pay increase Unite secured in 2023, resulting in workers’ pay now being on average 18 per cent higher than this time last year.

Members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, employed by DHL Aviation at East Midlands Airport have announced strike action over a low pay offer. The 180 workers who undertake ramp duties, provide aircraft handling and oversee the tower at the airport, are paid as little as £10.96 an hour.

Industrial action was called after the workers rejected a pay increase of 9.8 per cent, in effect a real terms pay cut – as the real rate of inflation (RPI) stood at 11.3 per cent in April 2023, when the increase was due. The workers are particularly incensed as the pay offer is less than their counterparts at Bristol and Gatwick airports received- despite DHL Aviation reporting gross profits of £66 million last year.