No strike at airport but disruptive action looming

BIRMINGHAM Airport has avoided facing strike action from workers there but faces a period of disruptive industrial action.

Airport officials are putting a brave face on things, saying it is business as usual following the announcement that workers have rejected strike action, following a ballot by Unite over pay.

But union members voted by 88 to 73 in favour of action short of a strike and now the airport is facing pre-Christmas disruption to services. This could involve working to rule or a ban on overtime.

The airport says its pay offer of 2.5% plus a one off pro rata payment of £150 – which was rejected by the union in October – is still on the table, and it says it is prepared to make the payments immediately if the offer is accepted by Unite.

The union has dismissed the pay offer as derisory.

David Winstanley, Birmingham Airport’s operation’s director, said, “We are very pleased that union members have rejected strike action.

“We would like to apologise to our customers for any uncertainty and can reassure those flying through Birmingham Airport this Christmas that it is business as usual.”

Union representatives will meet next Tuesday to decide their next step.