Fuel tanker drivers at Birmingham airport are set to strike over pay later this month after rejecting a 9% increase.
The workers, who refuel more than three quarters of flights departing the Midlands airport, are employed by ground handler Menzies.
They plan an indefinite strike from Tuesday, August 15, threatening flight cancellations through the rest of the month unless there is an improved pay offer.
However, airlines operating short-haul flights may be able to avoid refuelling at Birmingham by loading enough fuel at their previous airport for both the inbound and departing flights – a practice known as ‘tankering’.
Menzies’ most recent annual report shows the company reported more than £1 billion in revenue in 2021 and an operating profit of £60.4 million.
Trade union Unite points out Menzies’ current pay offer to the drivers involves a real-terms cut due to inflation following a below-inflation pay increase last year.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Menzies can afford to pay and it should pay. The company can’t expect these workers to agree to two years of real-terms pay cuts during a cost-of-living crisis.”
Marco di Mario, senior vice-president of fuels at Menzies, said: “We are disappointed with the union’s decision to undertake industrial action at Birmingham airport while negotiations are ongoing and there are still margins to find a resolution that is agreeable by all parties.
“The current package is on top of last year’s 6.5% pay increase. The vote to strike was initiated despite our commitment for further dialogue. We are calling for mediation to achieve a more reasonable position and will have robust contingency plans in place to minimise any potential impact should industrial action go ahead.”