Birmingham Airport passengers could face Christmas strike chaos

PASSENGERS at Birmingham Airport could face disruption this Christmas if staff decide to go on strike.

Members of the Unite Union will vote on whether to take industrial action during the festive season.

According to the union, its members have turned down a 2.5 per cent pay rise which would have been their first increase since 2009.

More than 200 people will be balloted, the majority of whom are security staff.

The airport offered reassurances to travellers by saying contingency plans would be in place to minimise disruption in the event of a strike.

Workers were offered an increase of 3.3 per cent in a bid to resolve the issue but the union said the offer amounted to 2.5 per cent in real terms.

A spokesperson for the airport said it was disappointing an agreement had not been reached.

The spokesperson said: "We can reassure customers that the airport will remain open.

"Contingencies have been tested and are in place to minimise any disruption that potential industrial action aims to cause the travelling public."

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