Workers at Bournemouth Airport are planning to go on strike in September following two separate disputes over pay. Around 100 Unite the Union members are involved.
The first group work in roles such as baggage handling, check-in, flight dispatching and plane fuelling. Unite said they had rejected a pay offer of five per cent for the lowest paid - bringing them up to £12.27 per hour - then 4.5 per cent for the higher-paid members.
Union members in the fire service at Bournemouth Airport, part of a different union bargaining agreement, have also rejected the same offer.
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Both offers are linked to a two-year deal of just CPI (Consumer Price Index rate of inflation) for year two taking into account the CPI of February 2026. This is historically lower than RPI (Retail Price Index) inflation rate, which unions believe to be fairer when calculating pay rises.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "With so many workers in different roles taking action, this will be a highly disruptive strike - but it is entirely the fault of Bournemouth Airport, who is prioritising its own interests and profits over that of its hardworking staff.
“Unite will back our members all the way in their pursuit for the pay rise they deserve."
Strikes will take place from 5 to 7 September and on 14 September.
Unite regional officer Janet Wall said: "We know those looking to travel for leisure or business from Bournemouth Airport during these dates will be concerned to hear of such disruptive strikes, but our members have been left with no choice but to take action.
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"The airport has failed to invest in hardworking staff by offering them a fair pay rise. They should not be struggling to afford the basics when working for a profitable, growing airport. Management needs to return to the negotiating table with a deal that is acceptable to our members."
Bournemouth Airport serves over 950,000 passengers a year and offers flights to 34 destinations across Europe and North Africa, primarily operated by airlines such as TUI and Ryanair. Flight routes to and from the airport include popular holiday destinations such as Malaga, Spain, Malta and Dalaman, Turkey.
Bournemouth Airport says it "remains hopeful" it can work with the union to reach agreement without the need for industrial action.
In a statement issued on Friday, it said: "Preparations are well underway by the airport on contingency plans to minimise any disruption on these dates."
Passengers due to fly on any of the planned strike days are being advised to check with their airline nearer the time for latest information about their flight.