Air freight workers at a major UK airport will extend their industrial action from 10 to 24 days after DHL Aviation’s pay offer was rejected by members of the union Unite. 

Unite members at East Midlands Airport’s cargo division will start a picket line on 9 February, and continue on selected days until 4 March. DHL Aviation said it would put plans in place to ensure deliveries are made. 

Unite said at least 180 members would walk out after rejecting a 9.8% pay rise, which Unite described as a “real-terms pay cut”. 

Unite members include staff who work on ramp duties, aircraft handling and oversee the control tower. 

Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham said: “DHL is a multi-million-pound company. It can fully afford to dramatically improve its pay offer and the behaviour in failing to address our member’s concerns.”

A DHL Aviation UK spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unite and its members are undertaking industrial action at our East Midlands Airport operation. Contingency planning is in place to ensure service is maintained for our customers.”

Strike dates (and times where applicable): 

• Friday 9^th February  – 00:01 – 13:00, 17:30-21:30
• Saturday 10th/17^th/24th February, 2^nd March - 17:30-21:30
• Sunday 11th/18^th/25th February, 3^rd March  - 16:30-20:30
• Monday 12^th – Friday 16th February/Monday 19^th  - Friday 23^rd February
• Monday 26^th February – Friday 1^st March -  5:30am  - 13:00, 17:00-21:30
• Monday 4^th March  - till 06:00am