Strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to escalate, with further walkouts planned over the October half-term period.
Almost 130 Unite members are involved in the pay dispute, including air traffic controllers, customer experience staff, security workers and cleaners.
Workers are due to strike from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October, with another round of industrial action planned from 23rd October to 2nd November.
Unite has warned the walkouts could lead to a potential airport shutdown.
The union says staff are paid less than workers doing equivalent jobs at Newcastle Airport. It claims a starter air traffic controller at Leeds Bradford earns around £34,000, compared with £55,000 at Newcastle.
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.”
Workers are seeking pay parity with their Newcastle colleagues after recently coming out of a four-year pay deal.
According to Unite, some departments have fallen behind equivalent roles at other airports, while many hourly paid workers earn just above the minimum wage.
Hourly paid staff have received an offer and are currently being balloted on it. However, the union says air traffic controllers have not received an offer.
Unite has warned that action by air traffic controllers alone could still prevent flights from taking off or landing.
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.”
Joselyn Jones, Leeds Bradford Airport’s director of external affairs, said:
"We are disappointed by this escalation and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues that remain under discussion.
"However, we respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action.
"The airport has made a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both the current challenging economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business."
Passengers travelling during the planned strike dates should check with their airline for the latest flight information.
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