Airport staff announce four days of strikes

Previous strike action planned by members of the Unite union at Bournemouth Airport in September was called off

Airport workers are set to strike on four days in a dispute over pay.

The action at Bournemouth Airport by members of the Unite union was originally expected to take place in September but was called off after an improved pay offer.

Unite said the the decision to reject the new pay offer and take industrial action had the "full backing of the union".

Bournemouth Airport said it was "extremely disappointed industrial action had been threatened" and that it was preparing contingency plans to minimise disruption

The strikes, involving workers in baggage handling, check-in, flight dispatching and plane fuelling, are set to take place on 30 September, 1 October and then on 16 and 17 October.

Unite said workers at the airport were struggling with the cost-of-living crisis following years of low pay and, given increased costs of essentials such as utility bills and groceries, the pay offers equated to a real-terms pay cut.

An offer of a 5% rise for the lowest paid and 4.5% for higher paid members was previously rejected.

Those working in the fire service at the airport, who are part of a different union bargaining agreement, have accepted a new pay deal and will not be involved in the strike action.

Bournemouth Airport said it was "extremely disappointed industrial action had been threatened" despite it "negotiating extensively and in good faith with Unite and meeting all their previous demands in full".

It said it had made "significantly improved pay offers" to staff that Unite had recommended to their members for approval.

The airport said it would continue to seek agreement with Unite without the need for industrial action.

It added: "At the same time, preparations are under way on contingency plans to minimise disruption and allow the airport to operate as normal on these dates."

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