Travellers flying from Leeds Bradford Airport could see their holidays disrupted this week if a planned three-day strike goes ahead.
Staff, including check-in desk workers, passport control, cleaners and passenger assistance employees, will walk out from Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18.
The union representing the workers, Unite, say they expect Leeds Bradford will be ‘shut down’ due to ‘so many essential workers striking.’
The strike over pay, which the airport calls ‘aggressive,’ also coincides with half-term for some UK schools, when many families will be heading away on holidays.
Initially, the industrial action was also going to involve air traffic controllers. However, this was cancelled after staff were issued a new pay offer.
It means that it is now just ‘hourly paid staff’ who are still planning to strike.
These staff members are currently being balloted on a separate offer, which closes 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.’
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Meanwhile, 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.’
What are my rights if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
The walkouts threaten a total airport shutdown, preventing any flights from taking off or landing. Unite told Metro they advise affected passengers to contact their airline providers or holiday operators.
However, Leeds Bradford have said they are prioritising minimal disruption for customers and ‘anticipate running near-normal operations during the periods of industrial action.
The airport says they have a ‘robust contingency plan in place and will be operating as normal this weekend.’
A spokesperson for budget airline EasyJet, which flies to six destinations from Leeds Bradford, told Metro: ‘We are currently planning to operate our normal schedule.’
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, UK and EU airlines must look after you if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
This includes everything from meals and accommodation to an alternative flight if necessary.
Citizens Advice says that airlines should also give impacted passengers access to phone calls and emails and, if they offer you a place to stay, organise the journeys between the hotel and the airport.
Sometimes, the airline will cover this by handing you vouchers at the airport. When in doubt, keep any receipts for expenses and claim them back afterwards from the airline.
Can I get any extra financial compensation?
If you face disruption due to a certain list of ‘extraordinary circumstances’, they’re considered outside the airline’s control, and therefore you’re unlikely to receive any extra cash.
‘Extraordinary circumstances’ can include a fire, bird strikes, defects with a plane, or bad weather.
They can also include industrial action unrelated to the airline — such as baggage handlers or air traffic control strikes — which would be applicable to the upcoming strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport. Because they’re largely considered outside the airline’s control, it means passengers are not entitled to extra financial compensation
However, as previously stated, you can still expect to be looked after by the airline.
Why are staff striking?
The 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, following a multi-million-pound holding company deal completed in May.
For example, a starter air traffic controller in Leeds currently earns approximately £34,000 compared to £55,000 for the same position in Newcastle, Unite claims.
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.’
Will there be any more strikes?
Staff at LBA are planning to stage another strike, which will last 10 consecutive days from Friday, October 23 through Monday, November 2.
This extended walkout runs through half-term holidays, posing a threat of severe disruption and potential airport shutdowns.
Air traffic controllers saw their planned strike for this weekend (October 16–18) suspended while they are balloted on a new pay offer, but if they reject it, they still plan to strike from October 23 to November 2.
Meanwhile, hourly-paid staff, including check-in desk workers, security personnel, passport control, cleaners, and passenger assistance employees, face a ballot deadline closing today on their separate pay offer.
If rejected, they will proceed with strikes this weekend (October 16–18) as well as from October 23 to November 2.
This upcoming extended walkout period runs straight through the peak half-term holiday break, posing a serious threat of severe disruption.
Unite notes that any additional rolling strike dates for the winter or Christmas holiday season remain in the planning stages, with no dates set yet.
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