15 July 2023 , 20:50
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An airport firm whose staff are set to strike over low pay has been slated for raking in more than £7million in Government handouts.
ASC got the money during the pandemic to cover the salaries of workers, who are joining other firms in eight days of action that will spell misery for holidaymakers using Gatwick this summer. Some striking staff earn less than £12 an hour.
The firm, owned by Italian Ignazio Coraci, got £3.28m from the furlough scheme in 2021 and a further £3.796m in 2020, its accounts show.
Unite chief Sharon Graham said: “Ignazio Coraci has got some nerve – taking cash from the British state to prop up his business, then ripping off our members with paltry pay that leaves some struggling to find the fare to work.
“He and other bosses at Gatwick should know: Our members have the full weight of Unite behind them while they take to the picket line.”
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Passengers face disruption when 950 Unite members, working for ASC and three other firms, strike for four days from both July 28 and August 4. BA, easyJet , Ryanair and TUI are among airlines that will be impacted.
The staff carry out outsourcing operations for airlines, including baggage handling and check-ins. ASC is in talks with its Gatwick workers and is “looking to resolve the situation”.
Elsewhere, airlines cancelled flights across Italy after strikes. National carrier ITA said it axed 133 on Saturday.