Gatwick refuelling tanker drivers and operators employed by Menzies on the Shell contract are being balloted for strike action over pay, in a move which could ground hundreds of flights out of Gatwick, Unite is warning.
The workers refuel planes for Wizz Air, Ryanair, Air China, China Southern, Malta Air, Turkish Airlines, Air Baltic, SkyAlps and Air Peace, which carry between 7,000 and 8,000 Gatwick passengers per day.
The dispute centres on Menzies’ offer of a 3.5% pay hike. Unite is arguing that Menzies can afford to pay more, pointing to the company’s recently reported record global revenues of $3bn (£2.6bn) in 2025 and Shell’s reported profits of $6.92bn in the first quarter of 2026.
The workers are asking for 4.5% pay rise as well as for their overtime rate to brought into parity with other Menzies Gatwick workers.
Currently the refuellers earn time and a third, compared to time and a half for all other Menzies staff at Gatwick.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Menzies can afford to pay workers fairly and it should pay them fairly. Unite is totally focused on improving our members’ jobs, pay and conditions and the workforce at Menzies have Unite’s total support.”
Unite has also accused Menzies of damaging industrial relations by putting forward the same offer repeatedly and using aggressive tactics to try and get workers to accept it.
The ballot for strike action closes on 11 August and any potential industrial action will begin shortly after.
Unite regional officer Ben Davis said: “Gatwick passengers will not be pleased that their summer getaways could be ruined because Menzies’ greed has resulted in their planes sitting on the tarmac.
“Strikes can still be avoided but Menzies needs to stop trying to strongarm our members and return with a decent offer.”
Menzies has been contacted for comment.
