JET refuellers who service almost all easyJet flights at Gatwick airport say their employer is paying through the nose to stop their strike from causing massive delays.

Of the 35 permanent staff who work for Redline Oil at the London airport, 30 of them joined the picket line on Saturday for their second day of action.

Redline Oil is alleged to have moved staff to Gatwick from its locations across the country to replace workers responsible for refuelling easyJet flights leaving the north terminal.

Workers represented by Unite announced the action two weeks ago when bosses at Redline Oil and its parent company World Fuel Services refused to negotiate with workers.

Union members are asking for the same pay as other refuellers receive at the airport.

Unite regional officer Ben Davis told the Morning Star: “I was on the picket line, and I can say the strike is holding strong. The sense of solidarity and energy was infectious. These workers are ready to strike until the company puts a good offer on the table.”

Though flight delays were minimal, Mr Davis explained that this was due to the firm’s attempt to break the strike.

He said: “[Redline Oil] has been bringing in management from other sites. We know the company is absolutely paying through their nose to cover the labour here.

“The jobs which would usually be covered by one operative are being done by two, sometimes three managers just to make sure the flights aren’t delayed. And on top of that they are paying for accommodation for the managers as well.”

He added: “The workers are striking over pay. They want a deal which will bring them to parity with the other refuellers working in the airport.”

Mr Davis said that Redline workers were the best paid in the airport almost 10 years ago, but after they lost union recognition their working conditions got worse.

He said: “They are now the lowest-paid fuellers at the airport. But we’ve recently regained recognition.

“The members have gone in with the goal of becoming the best paid again.”

Another action from baggage handlers represented by Unite was called off at the last minute, with a Gatwick spokesman saying management was pleased the strike was cancelled.

He told the BBC the airport was aware of the industrial action from refuellers and was aiming to minimise impact to passengers.

Redline Oil has been contacted for comment.