Leeds Bradford Airport staff strikes set to 'escalate' over half term as new dates added
Almost 130 Unite members at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) are involved in the pay dispute
Strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to escalate, with further walkouts now planned for over October half-term.
Workers at the Yeadon-based airport are due to strike from Friday 16 to Sunday, October 18, with another round of industrial action planned to run from October 23 to November 2.
Almost 130 Unite members at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) are involved in the pay dispute, including air traffic controllers, customer experience staff, security workers and cleaners.
Staff involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, and Unite claim some departments have fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is wrong that workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid far less than those doing the same job at another nearby airport.
“These are essential workers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the airport and the safety of passengers and deserve fair pay.
“Unite will always fully back our members taking action at Leeds Bradford Airport.”
Many workers on hourly contracts are paid just above minimum wage and have been left struggling with the rising cost of essentials, according to Unite.
The union added that workers at LBA are paid less than those doing the same roles at Newcastle Airport, a city with a lower cost of living. For example, a starter air traffic controller at Leeds Bradford earns around £34,000 while the same role at Newcastle is paid £55,000.
Newcastle Airport is part owned by Spanish firm AENA, who also owns a 51 per cent majority stake at Leeds Bradford Airport as part of a £270 million holding company deal completed in May.
Unite members are seeking pay parity with their colleagues at Newcastle Airport.
Leeds Bradford Airport has said it is “disappointed by this escalation” after what it describes as a “fair and responsible offer.”
An airport spokesperson said: “We are disappointed by this escalation and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues that remain under discussion. However, we respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action.
“The airport has made a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both the current challenging economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
“Importantly, we currently have updated offers on the table, one of which is out to ballot having been recommended by the Union. We remain committed to working with Unite and our colleagues to reach a fair resolution through meaningful discussion with the remaining area.
“These aggressive tactics serve no purpose and only create uncertainty for the hardworking customers of Leeds Bradford Airport who are looking forward to enjoying time away with family and friends during the upcoming half-term break. We are disappointed that this approach has been taken at a time when positive discussions are continuing.”
Hourly paid staff at the airport have received an offer and are currently being balloted on it. However, air traffic controllers have not received any offer, according to Unite.
Should the latter be the only group striking, the union has warned that the airport will still face a potential shutdown as flights will not be able to take off or land.
Leeds Bradford Airport has said its priority is to minimise disruption for passengers and anticipates running “near-normal” operations during the strike period.