Humberside Airport strikes: Staff at Humberside Airport are set to stage three walk outs starting later this month in a dispute over pay

Cleaners, firefighters, security, travel shop staff and refuellers are due to stage the first of three walk outs from 4.30am on Tuesday, October 17, for 24 hours.

Unison regional organiser Michael Parkinson said staff felt undervalued and they wanted their employer to recognise their loyalty and dedication, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

A Humberside Airport spokesperson said airport operations would continue with limited impact on passengers and operators.

It comes after airport staff in the Unison trade union voted to strike after talks over pay broke down in August, with around 71 per cent in favour of walking out.

Staff rejected a pay offer which would have seen those on around £21,000 get a 8.4 per cent pay rise, those on about £27,000 get 6.5 per cent and workers on £35,000 get 5.1.

A £100 one-off payment to staff in November was also offered as part of the deal from employers Humberside Airport Ltd.

Unison said that while the pay offer was an improvement on current terms, it would still leave staff at the airport in Kirmington, North Lincolnshire, earning less than others elsewhere.

The 24-hour walk out beginning on Tuesday, October 17 is set to be followed by one lasting 48 hours, beginning at 4.30am on Tuesday, October 31.

Staff are also set to strike on Tuesday, November 14, also from 4.30am.

The 72-hour walk out would mean they would not return to work until Friday, November 17, unless the union and the airport’s owners can reach a deal.

Regional organiser Mr Parkinson said the strike was a last resort and the union was trying hard to find a solution to avert the walk outs.

The organiser said: “We’re meeting with management this week and hopefully we can reach some kind of agreement.

“Staff feel undervalued, they want the employer to recognise the loyalty and dedication they’ve shown, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The company which owns the airport is profitable, and we believe they can comfortably afford a pay rise for staff.

“It’s up to airport management to meet with the union and put forward an acceptable pay offer.”

Humberside Airport’s spokesperson said the current pay offer was fair and reasonable.

The spokesperson said: “We are disappointed to learn a small number of staff plan to take industrial action but remain confident the airport will continue operations with limited impact to passengers and operators.

“We believe the pay offer is made in the best interests of staff and the airport’s future and we hope the union will reconsider this action.

“Passengers travelling on any of the affected dates should plan to check-in and arrive as usual.

“Any changes that do occur will be communicated via the airline and will be reflected on our website.”