Brum Airport Strike Threat

THOUSANDS of bank holiday travellers face chaos as Birmingham International Airport workers consider strike action in a pay dispute.

The dispute, involving baggage handlers and check-in staff, is already due to go ahead at Gatwick and Stanstead on August 25 and 29.

And unions warned yesterday that the strike could spread to other airports, including Birmingham.

Workers employed by Swissport have rejected a “paltry” three per cent pay offer.

The company was also accused of removing sick pay for the first three days of any absence due to illness.

Unite will announce a ballot result among its Swissport members at Manchester airport next week and said workers in Birmingham and Newcastle airports will also be balloted over pay.

(c) 2008 Sunday Mercury; Birmingham (UK). Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.