Leeds Bradford Airport could face a shutdown this week as staff plan a three-day strike from Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18. The industrial action involves check-in desk workers, passport control, cleaners, and passenger assistance employees. The union Unite expects the airport to be 'shut down' due to 'so many essential workers striking.'
Pay dispute and half-term timing
The strike over pay coincides with half-term for some UK schools, when many families will be heading away on holidays. Initially, air traffic controllers were also set to strike, but this was cancelled after they received a new pay offer. Now, only 'hourly paid staff' are still planning to strike. These staff members are being balloted on a separate offer, with the ballot closing today. If rejected, the strike will almost certainly go ahead.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: 'We appreciate those travelling to and from Leeds Bradford Airport will be concerned to hear that there are further strike dates, but the situation is completely the fault of the airport's management. It can end this dispute, but that relies on it coming back to the table with a fair deal for our members.'
Airport and airline response
Leeds Bradford Airport told Metro: 'These aggressive tactics serve no purpose and only create uncertainty for the hardworking customers of Leeds Bradford Airport. We are disappointed that this approach has been taken at a time when positive discussions are continuing.' The airport says it has a 'robust contingency plan in place and will be operating as normal this weekend,' prioritising minimal disruption for customers.
EasyJet, which flies to six destinations from Leeds Bradford, said: 'We are currently planning to operate our normal schedule.'
Passenger rights and compensation
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, UK and EU airlines must look after passengers if their flight is delayed or cancelled, including meals, accommodation, and alternative flights if necessary. Citizens Advice says airlines should also provide access to phone calls and emails, and organise hotel-airport journeys if accommodation is offered. Passengers are advised to keep receipts for expenses and claim them back from the airline.
Extra financial compensation is unlikely if disruption is due to 'extraordinary circumstances' outside the airline's control, such as industrial action unrelated to the airline—like the upcoming strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport. However, passengers can still expect to be looked after by the airline.
Why staff are striking
Workers are demanding wages comparable to equivalent roles at Newcastle Airport, which shares a majority stakeholder with Leeds Bradford. Both airports are majority-owned by the Spanish firm AENA. Unite claims a starter air traffic controller in Leeds earns approximately £34,000 compared to £55,000 in Newcastle.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'It is wrong that workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid far less than those doing the same job at another nearby airport. These are essential workers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the airport and the safety of passengers and deserve fair pay. Unite will always fully back our members taking action at Leeds Bradford Airport.'
Leeds Bradford Airport said: 'We remain committed to working with Unite and our colleagues to reach a fair resolution through meaningful discussion with the remaining area.'
Further strikes planned
Staff at Leeds Bradford Airport are planning another strike lasting 10 consecutive days from Friday, October 23 through Monday, November 2, running through half-term holidays and posing a threat of severe disruption. Air traffic controllers have suspended their planned strike for October 16-18 while balloted on a new pay offer, but may strike from October 23 to November 2 if they reject it. Hourly-paid staff face a ballot deadline closing today; if rejected, they will strike this weekend and from October 23 to November 2. Unite notes any additional rolling strike dates for winter or Christmas remain in planning stages, with no dates set yet.
