(Image: PA Media)
STRIKES by more than 100 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to escalate in a dispute over pay.
Unite - one of the largest trade unions in the UK - said the airport is "expected to experience a shutdown" with "so many" essential workers, including air traffic controllers, security personnel, customer experience staff and cleaners, all choosing to strike.
The industrial action will take place from Friday (October 16) to Sunday (October 18), with a further round scheduled from October 23 to November 2 - which coincides with the busy half-term period.
Unite cited claims that workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid less than those doing the same roles at Newcastle Airport - based in a city with a lower cost of living, as the reason for the strike.
A spokesperson for the union said: "For example, a start air traffic controller at Leeds Bradford Airport earns around £34,000 while the same role at Newcastle is paid £55,000."
Speaking about this, Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: "It is wrong that workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid far less than those doing the same job at another nearby airport.
"These are essential workers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the airport and the safety of passengers and deserve fair pay. Unite will always fully back our members taking action at Leeds Bradford Airport.”
Newcastle Airport is part owned by Spanish firm AENA, who also owns a 51 per cent majority stake at Leeds Bradford Airport as part of a £270 million holding company deal completed in May.
Unite members are seeking pay parity with their colleagues at Newcastle Airport.
A union spokesperson exaplained: "Workers at Leeds Bradford Airport have recently come out of a four-year pay deal and some of the departments have fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles, while many workers on hourly contracts are paid just above minimum wage and have been left struggling with the rising cost of essentials.
"Hourly paid staff at the airport have received an offer and are currently being balloted on it.
"However, air traffic controllers have not received any offer.
"Should the latter be the only group striking the airport will still face a potential shutdown as flights will not be able to take off or land."
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “We appreciate those travelling to and from Leeds Bradford Airport will be concerned to hear that there are further strike dates, but the situation is completely the fault of the airport’s management. It can end this dispute, but that relies on it coming back to the table with a fair deal for our members.”