Security staff at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) are set to go on strike at the end of this month in action that could leave thousands of holidaymakers grounded.
LBA confirmed it has been served with a notification from the GMB Union of impending strike action by its security staff. GMB is a trade union and represents a small portion (less than 25 per cent) of LBA's security staff.
The GMB is demanding increases in the hourly rate of pay for its members to address the rising cost of living, and staff could walk out at the end of August if a meaningful offer is not made.
LBA has hit back and said the strike action has come "without warning and without discussions". LBA says it "engaged openly and cooperatively with GMB throughout the pandemic" and "prior to the notification of industrial action action today, LBA had not received any request from GMB to enter into negotiations for future additional salary increases".
LBA described GMB's decision as cynical but reiterated that it is committed to working with GMB and its security staff to prevent strike action. Vincent Hodder, CEO of LBA, 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.”
A spokesperson for LBA told LeedsLive that since February this year, the airport has increased salaries of frontline staff by 11 per cent, and highly skilled security staff by 15.6 per cent. He said: "Since Feburary 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."
LeedsLive has contacted the GMB Union for a statement.
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