Humberside Airport staff walk out in 24-hour strike

The action involves firefighters, re-fuellers, security and travel shop staff and cleaners

Some workers at Humberside Airport are staging a 24-hour strike in a dispute over pay.

The action involves firefighters, re-fuellers, security and travel shop staff and cleaners.

Unison Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Michael Parkinson said strike action was always a "last resort", but staff felt "undervalued".

Humberside Airport said there would be "no significant impact to normal operations".

Mr Parkinson said: "The company which owns the airport is profitable, and we believe they can comfortably afford a pay rise for staff.

"They want the employer to recognise the loyalty and dedication they've shown, especially during the pandemic," he said.

"It's up to airport management to meet with the union and put forward an acceptable pay offer."

'Challenging situation'

In a statement, an airport spokesperson said: "At a recent ballot organised by the trade union, Unison, a small number of Humberside Airport staff voted to take industrial action over pay.

"While this is extremely disappointing, it is important to know it only represents a small number of staff - around 11% of the total workforce at the airport.

"We remain confident there will be no significant impact to normal operations. However, you will appreciate this remains a challenging situation and we are grateful for your patience and understanding."

If no agreement is reached, a 48-hour strike is planned by staff at the North Lincolnshire airport for 31 October, and a 72-hour strike is planned for 14 November, Unison said.