Strikes set to upend travel at Bournemouth Airport

A total of about 100 workers are in dispute over separate pay claims.

A group of workers responsible for baggage handling, check-in, flight dispatching and aircraft fuelling rejected a pay offer, their union Unite says.

Additionally, fires service workers also rejected a similar pay offer and are represented by a different union.

The two strikes are scheduled for 5–7 September, and then on 14 September.

Airport management said it is planning contingencies to minimise any disruption, and says Unite is still in talks over the pay deal, which all parties hope can lead to an agreement.

For now, travellers booked on flights for these dates should check with their airline nearer the time.

“With so many workers in different roles taking action, this will be a highly disruptive strike, Bournemouth Airport is prioritising its own interests and profits over those of its hardworking staff,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.

If only the fire service staged a walkout, this would effectively shut down airport operations.