Pay offer fails to land as Humberside Airport staff vote for strike action

Workers at Humberside Airport will walk out this summer, after rejecting a pay offer, says UNISON.

Airport security staff, firefighters, refuellers, cleaners and staff in the travel shop voted in favour to reject the offer – which would see those earning around £21,000 granted an 8.4% increase, a 6.5% rise for those earning £27,000, and a 5.1% increase for workers earning £35,000.

Workers would also receive a one-off payment of £100, paid in November.

Although the offer is an improvement on current pay levels, the union says it still leaves workers at Humberside Airport paid significantly lower than their counterparts at other airports such as Manchester and Leeds Bradford.

But a spokesman for the airport responded that it has not yet been formally advised of any ballot to strike.

UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser, George Ayre, said: “This vote by members shows they still don’t feel valued by their employer.

“Air traffic controllers were paid a higher unconsolidated payment, which to our members suggests their work is not as valued as those working in air traffic control.

“A higher pay offer would not only be an investment in staff, but an investment in Humberside Airport overall.

“The airport should be looking to capitalise on the recent closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport as an opportunity to develop business and give people of Northern Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire and beyond another option for getting away for a well-earned holiday.

“An increased pay offer isn’t only an investment in staff; it’s an investment in building the airport’s future.”

The airport’s spokesman said: “We are disappointed at this response, particularly after Unison advised members to accept this offer.

“We have yet to be formally advised of any ballot to strike and we hope Unison will continue talks about resolving this issue and avoiding unnecessary disruption to Humberside passengers.”