The Chief executive of Leeds Bradford airport has slammed a union which announced security staff would be striking at the end of this month.
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) CEO Vincent Hodder slammed the GMB Union announcement that its members had voted for strike action unless they received a meaningful offer. GMB said its members at LBA backed industrial action by 93 per cent.
A spokesperson for GMB Union said its members accepted temporary pay reductions during the pandemic but have received nothing in return despite the travel sector recovering: "GMB is calling for an immediate substantial increase in the hourly rate of pay for security staff.
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"GMB members will walk out at the end of August if a meaningful offer to increase their pay is not forthcoming, which could leave thousands of passengers grounded. GMB Union has worked closely with management throughout the pandemic - agreeing to delay a negotiated pay increase in April 2020, accepting temporary reductions in pay, accommodating changes to working hours and exploring ways to avoid compulsory redundancies."
But LBA CEO Vincent Hodder has hit back at the union calling their announcement cynical. He said: "We are disappointed at this cynical move to industrial action before requesting any negotiations. Despite the damage to the aviation industry during the pandemic, we have done everything we can to increase the pay of our front line staff, and feel that pay increases of up to 15% is a considerable step in improving conditions.
"We remain committed to working with GMB and our staff to reach agreement and thereby avoid unnecessary strike action.”
The airport (LBA) said on Thursday the dispute relates to less than a quarter of its security staff. A statement said: “LBA has engaged openly and co-operatively with GMB throughout the pandemic.
“However, prior to the notification of industrial action, LBA had not received any request from GMB to enter into negotiations for future additional salary increases. This action has come without warning and without discussions with LBA.
“Since February 1 2022, LBA has increased total remuneration of front-line security staff by 11.1% and more highly skilled security staff by 15.6%. Of these amounts, only 2.5% in each case relates to a company performance related payment.”
But the union insists its members have been very patient. Speaking after its members voted for strike action, Rachel Dix, GMB Organiser, said: “This is a powerful result, with a very high response rate - most of the votes were cast over the first two days of the ballot such was the strength of feeling and motivation of our members to ensure that they are finally heard.
“All they are asking for is a wage which will afford them a decent standard of living. Our members have been incredibly patient but the discretionary performance related bonuses that have been offered are not trusted, too late in the day and are no substitute for an hourly pay increase.
“They are not prepared to wait any longer for the respect and remuneration they deserve from their employer, but they are genuinely open to constructive negotiation that will pave the way to a satisfactory resolution.”
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