British holidaymakers are set to face disruptions in the upcoming weeks as a UK airport is on the brink of a complete shutdown due to nearly 80 essential workers planning to go on strike over a wage dispute.
Approximately 80 members of Unite, responsible for various airport operations such as baggage handling, check-in services, flight dispatching, and fueling, are scheduled to strike on September 30, October 1, 16, and 17 after rejecting a new pay offer.
Despite Bournemouth Airport’s growth and profitability, with a recent increase in airport charges and substantial investments for expansion, workers have been struggling financially due to years of low wages. Unite argues that the current pay offers do not match the rising cost of living, essentially resulting in a pay cut for the employees.
Serving over 950,000 passengers annually with flights to 34 destinations in Europe and North Africa, Bournemouth Airport manages operations primarily for airlines like TUI and Ryanair. Unite warns that the strike action will significantly impact airport routes due to the substantial number of workers involved across various services.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, criticized the airport’s management for failing to provide fair compensation to its workforce despite the company’s profitability. The union pledges full support to its members during the strike.
In a separate agreement, Unite members working in the airport’s fire service have accepted a new pay deal and will not participate in the strike.
Unite’s regional officer, Janet Wall, blames the airport management for the impending disruption to passengers and urges them to present an improved offer to avoid the strike.
The wage dispute unfolded following the acquisition of Bournemouth Airport’s operator by a global investment firm. Earlier negotiations saw Unite rejecting a proposed wage increase, citing inadequate adjustments for low-paid workers.
Responding to the strike threat, the airport expressed disappointment, stating that they had made substantial pay offers in alignment with Unite’s requests, which were endorsed for approval by the union.
Bournemouth Airport, along with Exeter and Norwich, was part of a £200 million deal with the investment group ICG, as part of a new partnership with Regional and City Airports (RCA).