About 100 workers at Bournemouth Airport are set to strike in September in two separate pay disputes.
The first strike, set to take place from 5-7 September, will involve baggage handling, check-in, flight dispatching and aircraft refuelling staff.
On 14 September, the airport’s fire service workers will walk out.
Both sets of workers have rejected a pay offer of 5% for the lowest-paid and a 4.5% increase for the higher-paid members.
Sharon Graham, General Secretary of the Unite union which represents the staff said: “With so many workers in different roles taking action, this will be a highly disruptive strike – but it is entirely the fault of Bournemouth Airport, who is prioritising its own interests and profits over that of its hardworking staff. Unite will back our members all the way in their pursuit for the pay rise they deserve.”
In a statement on its website, Bournemouth Airport said: “Preparations are well underway by the airport on contingency plans to minimise any disruption on these dates.
“In the meantime, we are in ongoing negotiations with Unite and remain hopeful we can work constructively with them to reach agreement without the need for industrial action.
“Unite’s ballot result, shared with the airport, showed that of the 89 Unite members at Bournemouth Airport eligible to vote, 61 (68.5%) voted in favour of strike action. This represents about 13% of Bournemouth Airport’s total workforce of 450.
“Passengers due to fly on any of the planned strike days are advised to check with their airline nearer the time for the very latest information about their flight.”
