Sets Bank Holiday Strikes In August And September

Bank holiday "chaos" looms at Liverpool’s John Lennon airport after GMB members voted to strike, according to the union.

A total of 80 workers from aviation rescue and fire fighting services, the control room, engineering and driver operations and airport bird control will walk out during the bank holiday weekend.

The 36 hour strike will begin 7 p.m. on Thursday August 23 and continue until 7 a.m. Saturday August 25. This will be followed by a further 12 hour strike beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday September 3.

Further strike dates will follow. GMB members overwhelmingly voted for strike action – their first this century – after management offered a below inflation pay increase of 2%. This would mean a real terms pay cut for GMB members.

“Liverpool Airport Ltd has failed to meet the aspirations of the GMB members, who have rejected the company’s proposed below inflation pay offer of 2%." said Eddie Parker, GMB Organizer. “We have informed the company strike action will not be suspended unless a 3.6% increase is offered.

“The company has allegedly employed outside third party companies to undertake the responsibilities presently undertaken by the aviation rescue and firefighting service and bird control personnel.

“GMB is currently unaware whether the outside agency workers have the necessary specialised skill set and personal fitness standards required to undertake these specialist roles.

“While Liverpool Airport Ltd has financially invested in developing the airport over recent years, the same sadly cannot be said of their investment in their employees - who have had enough of being taken for granted by their employer.”

(Source: GMB Union news release)

FMI: www.gmb.org.uk