Bournemouth airport faces ‘severe disruption’ as 100 workers vote to walk out

Bournemouth airport could face “severe disruption” in September after more than 100 Unite members across different roles voted to take strike action.

The planned industrial action is related to two separate disputes about pay with strike dates proposed for September 5, 6, 7 and 14.

Workers in baggage handling, check-in, flight dispatching and plane fuelling have rejected an offer of a 5% pay increase for the lowest paid members, which would take them up to £12.27 per hour, six pence more than the national wage, and 4.5% for the higher paid.

Fire service employees have also rejected the same offer.

Bournemouth airport carries more than 950,000 passengers per year with flights to 34 destinations across Europe and North Africa.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "With so many workers in different roles taking action, this will be a highly disruptive strike - but it is entirely the fault of Bournemouth airport, which is prioritising its own interests and profits over that of its hardworking staff.

“Unite will back our members all the way in their pursuit for the pay rise they deserve."

Unite regional officer Janet Wall added: "We know those looking to travel for leisure or business from Bournemouth airport during these dates will be concerned to hear of such disruptive strikes, but our members have been left with no choice but to take action.

"The airport has failed to invest in hardworking staff by offering them a fair pay rise. They should not be struggling to afford the basics when working for a profitable, growing airport.”

She added: "Management needs to return to the negotiating table with a deal that is acceptable to our members."

An airport spokesperson said: “Preparations are well underway by the airport on contingency plans to minimise any disruption on these dates.

“In the meantime, we are in ongoing negotiations with Unite and remain hopeful we can work constructively with them to reach agreement without the need for industrial action.

“Unite’s ballot result, shared with the airport, showed that of the 89 Unite members at Bournemouth airport eligible to vote, 61 (68.5%) voted in favour of strike action. This represents about 13% of Bournemouth airport’s total workforce of 450.

“Passengers due to fly on any of the planned strike days are advised to check with their airline nearer the time for the very latest information about their flight.”