Strike action involving almost 130 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport is set to escalate, with further industrial action announced for the October half-term period amid an ongoing dispute over pay.
Unite the union has announced strikes from 23 October to 2 November, in addition to previously announced action from 16 to 18 October.
The union says the dispute centres on pay differences between Leeds Bradford Airport and Newcastle Airport, with some workers earning significantly less for equivalent roles.
Unite has warned that industrial action by air traffic controllers could result in a shutdown, as flights would be unable to take off or land. Leeds Bradford Airport, however, said it currently anticipates running near-normal operations during the periods of industrial action.
Pay differences at the centre of dispute
According to Unite, almost 130 workers are involved in the dispute, including air traffic control staff and hourly paid employees working in customer experience, security and cleaning.
The union says its members are seeking pay parity with colleagues at Newcastle Airport, arguing that some roles at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid considerably less despite being equivalent positions.
Unite cited the example of a starter air traffic controller at Leeds Bradford Airport earning around £34,000, compared with £55,000 for the same role at Newcastle Airport.
The union also said some hourly paid staff were earning only slightly above the minimum wage and struggling with the rising cost of essential goods and services.
Workers at Leeds Bradford Airport have recently completed a four-year pay deal, according to Unite, which says some departments have fallen behind equivalent roles at other airports.
Unite warns of potential shutdown
Unite said hourly paid workers had received an offer and were currently voting on it. However, the union said air traffic controllers had not received an offer.
It warned that if air traffic controllers were the only group taking industrial action, the airport could still face a shutdown because flights would be unable to take off or land.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said workers were being paid considerably less than people carrying out the same jobs at another airport.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, 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.
Unite also highlighted the ownership of the two airports. Spanish airport operator AENA has a 51% majority stake in Leeds Bradford Airport and is also part-owner of Newcastle Airport.
The union said the pay differences between the two airports were a significant concern for its members.
Airport says offers remain on the table
In response to the announcement of further industrial action, Leeds Bradford Airport said it was disappointed by the escalation and did not believe strikes were the right way to resolve the outstanding issues.
The airport said it respected employees’ right to take part in lawful industrial action and maintained that it had made a fair and responsible offer that was significantly above inflation.
It said the offer reflected challenging economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
The airport also confirmed that updated offers remained on the table, with one having been recommended by Unite and put to a ballot. Discussions were continuing with the remaining area.
The airport criticised the further strike announcement, saying it would create uncertainty for passengers planning holidays and family visits during the October half-term period.
It said its priority was to minimise disruption and that, at this stage, it anticipated running near-normal operations during the proposed strike dates.
Further strikes during October half-term
The first period of industrial action is scheduled for Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October, followed by a further round from 23 October to 2 November.
The later dates overlap with the October half-term travel period, when families may be planning holidays and other journeys.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said the union recognised that passengers would be concerned about the announcement but blamed the airport’s management for the dispute.
Neil Whitaker, Unite regional officer, 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.
Leeds Bradford Airport is also continuing its programme of investment in facilities, infrastructure and customer experience through its LBA:REGEN project. The airport said the project had seen the opening of a new central security search zone and staff welfare facilities in October.
The extent of any disruption during the proposed strike dates remains uncertain, with the union warning of the potential for a shutdown while the airport anticipates near-normal operations.
Passengers travelling during the affected dates should check the latest information from their airline and Leeds Bradford Airport before setting off.