Recently, the company responsible for scanning luggage at Stansted Airport has withdrawn the contract. The move follows a series of strikes over pay rises during the recent past. In an announcement, Gate Aviation Services has stated its decision to end the baggage-screening contract on 10th October. The firm has however added that the 34 staff of the company would be able to keep their jobs if a new contractor assuming the responsibility.

About thirty-four GMB union members employed with Gate triggered off a strike action during summer after rejecting the 2% increase over the pay offer announced by the company. A spokesman for Gate noted at that time that the strike was called by disappointed staff who wanted "to reject the company"s improved pay offer of 2% and a further 2.2% in January 2009".

A spokesperson for the company stated further that the workers would keep their jobs under the rules of continuation of employment even if Gate Aviation terminated the contract after a given period of notice since it was "untenable". It appears that a new contractor will assume the responsibility of scanning luggage after 10th October when Gate Aviation Services has decided to withdraw. Welcoming this development, the GMB has stated that it looked forward to work with the new contractor to settle the row. The employees feel that the present arrangement would provide a positive way out of the issue.