Holidaymakers face airport strike disruption

A union has warned flights from Norwich Airport would be unable to operate if air traffic control workers strike over the upcoming bank holiday weekend.

Members of the Prospect union have voted to take a day of strike action on Friday, 28 August, amid an ongoing dispute over pay and terms and conditions.

It follows industrial action on Tuesday, in which air traffic control staff worked strictly to contract hours and refused to work overtime, swap shifts or work on a goodwill basis. The next strike will see staff take similar action on one of the busiest days of the year for travel.

The airport said it was "disappointed" by the move.

Prospect said the strike would likely lead to disruption due to "extremely low" staffing numbers in air traffic control.

Members are requesting a 10% rise to bring their pay in line with workers elsewhere, but so far they have been offered only 3%.

Improved maternity and paternity leave are also part of their demands.

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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

"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."

A spokesperson for Norwich Airport said: "It is disappointing that Prospect has chosen to announce further industrial action while negotiations to resolve the dispute are ongoing.

"We remain firmly committed to resolving this dispute through constructive dialogue and will continue to engage with Prospect with the aim of reaching agreement."

Travellers have been told to check in as normal and to check with their airlines for updates.

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