Humberside Airport are staging a walk-out this morning in a dispute over pay

Members of the Unison union have been on strike since 4:30am and will be for the remainder of the day

Author: Charlotte LinnecarPublished 17th Oct 2023

Travel agents, security staff, firefighters and air traffic controllers at Humberside airport are staging a walk-out today.

From 4:30am this morning, a handful of staff belonging to the Unison union are striking over continued disputes on pay.

The airport has previously told us there should be limited impact on customers.

Michael Parkinson, the Regional organiser in charge of the walk out, says it may cause disruption:

"We've got a range of staff, travel agency staff, security staff, firefighting staff, air traffic controllers, and refuelers. We expect 25 people to be taking part, and it's a full 24 hour period we're doing it, starting at 4:30 Tuesday morning and ending at 4:30 on Wednesday morning.

"Of course, people that are still wanting to fly, will want to know whether they'll be delayed, if flights will be pushed back or whatnot. But I can't say if there'll be delays or interruption that will be noticed by the passengers.

"What we do know is that it has caused inconvenience for the management of the airport, who've had to reconfigure shifts and operational arrangements within the airport."

He added that these groups of workers haven't been acknowledged:

"Action is always a last resort of anyway, any group of workers. We've tried very hard to avoid this dispute. Unfortunately, the managers in the airport won't come to a reasonable settlement, so I've had to take this action.

"These people feel that they're just not valued for the hard working, dedication that they offer the airport day in, day out, on all days of the year.

"People just feel that they've never been truly recognised, or acknowledged for the day-to-day work, and dedication."

A Humberside Airport spokesperson previously 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.”

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