Prospect members at Norwich Airport have voted for a day of strike action on Friday, 28 August, after an ongoing dispute over pay and terms and conditions. The walkout falls after air traffic control staff began working strictly to contract hours on Monday, adding pressure on travel plans over the bank holiday weekend.
David Avery on Norwich Airport
David Avery, the union's national secretary for aviation, said: "It is extremely disappointing that we have still not received an acceptable offer from Norwich Airport, which has left us with little choice but to push ahead with this industrial action". He also said: "Our members in air traffic control are not making unreasonable demands. They are simply asking for pay levels and terms and conditions that are normal for their colleagues across the country."
Norwich Airport and Prospect
Members are seeking a 10% rise to bring their pay in line with workers elsewhere, while the latest offer is 3%. The dispute also includes improved maternity and paternity leave, and staff have refused overtime, shift swaps and goodwill working since Monday.
Norwich Airport said it was disappointed by the move, while Prospect said staffing numbers in air traffic control would be extremely low during the strike and disruption was likely. Travellers have been told to check in as normal and to check with their airlines for updates.
Friday, 28 August
The vote gives Norwich Airport and Prospect a fixed date for the next point of pressure: Friday, 28 August. Whether the strike will force cancellations or give way to a deal before then is the question travellers now have to plan around.
