Bosses want to convert their northern runway, which is currently used as a back-up, into one that’s fully functioning for passengers.
They say it’ll cater for 100-thousand more flights, but the transport secretary says a final decision on the expansion will be announced in October.
Celeste Hicks, from the Aviation Environment Federation, isn’t in favour.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Unite welcomes the announcement of the expansion of Gatwick but it needs to come with guarantees of well paid, unionised jobs and proper facilities for workers.
“It is also ever more urgent with every airport expansion that we ensure domestic production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to offset carbon emissions and meet the government’s own targets on net zero.
“Actioning Unite’s plan to transition the Grangemouth refinery in Scotland to SAF production would get us the SAF we need while securing thousands of jobs in the process.”
Declan MacIntyre, GMB Organiser said:
“Today’s announcement from the Secretary of State clearing ‘a path’ to Gatwick Airport’s expansion is very welcome.
“Thousands of workers across the region depend on the airport for their jobs and livelihoods.
“GMB looks forward to working with Gatwick Airport Limited, and employers operating in Gatwick, to make sure high quality, unionised jobs are at the heart of the construction and operation of an expanded airport.”
