Workers at Stansted Airport are preparing to go on strike in May following the rejection of a proposed pay increase. Approximately 100 employees working for ABM are planning industrial action from May 3 to May 6 in response to what they perceive as an unsatisfactory pay offer.

These workers, responsible for tasks such as assisting passengers with boarding and disembarking flights as well as navigating the airport, find the current pay offer unacceptable. Initially, a strike scheduled from April 17 to 20 was postponed to allow a vote on a last-minute pay proposal, but the strike is now confirmed to proceed.

Unite, the union representing the workers, deems the situation unacceptable. Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, highlighted the disparity between the essential work done by ABM staff and their low wages, especially in contrast to the significant profits of the employer. Unite fully supports the workers in their decision to strike.

In rejecting a new pay offer, Unite members at ABM are set to engage in industrial action next month, with the strike scheduled from May 3 to May 6. The workers, who play a crucial role in assisting passengers at the airport, contend that the pay offer does not address their low wages, with many earning below the London Living Wage of £14.80. ABM, despite being a profitable global company, reported a revenue of $2.2 billion in March, a 6.1% increase from the previous year.

ABM UK, a prominent management company, oversees the day-to-day operations and maintenance of various large-scale commercial and public facilities. Their services include professional cleaning, technical engineering maintenance, and physical security for a wide range of establishments like corporate offices, shopping centers, and airports.

The Mirror has reached out to ABM for their response to the situation.