Services at Birmingham Airport could be disrupted at Christmas after union members voted to strike over plans to alter pension provision for workers.
Staff are angry at plans to close the final salary pension scheme to new employees and replace it with one that gives lower returns.
Amicus union said it hoped airport managers would reverse the plans.
Airport management have pledged to ensure passengers are not inconvenienced by the walkout.
In a ballot, 76% of ground and security staff and 100% of firefighters voted to strike.
Amicus said it will meet its representatives at Birmingham Airport on Monday to start planning strike action and warned it could close the airport over Christmas.
Peter Coulson, the union’s regional officer, said: “This result demonstrates our members’ determination to do everything possible to save their pensions.
“We believe that closing the final salary scheme to new members will spell the end of their pension provision.”
Three ballots
In a statement, the airport said that some staff had recognised the measures it was proposing would put the pension scheme on a sound financial basis.
It went on: “In addition, approximately 80% of the scheme members have given their individual authority for the proposed changes to the scheme to help protect its long term future.
“Further proposals have been tabled by both sides and negotiations will continue next week.
“The airport company is committed to trying to find a solution acceptable to all parties and will do all it can to make sure that passengers are not inconvenienced.”
The union has been negotiating with airport management on pensions for two years.
During that time Amicus members at the airport have rejected the pension proposals in three consultative ballots.
Strike action could close the airport during one of its busiest seasons, because under Civil Aviation Authority regulations an airport cannot operate without the fire service.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/4067365.stm
By: MANAIRPORTMAD - 4th December 2004 at 23:19
Last christmas I looked out the window and there was a plane coming in under the winter sun!
By: MANAIRPORTMAD - 4th December 2004 at 23:19
Last christmas I looked out the window and there was a plane coming in under the winter sun!
By: Grey Area - 4th December 2004 at 23:04
MAN will be open on the 25th.
By: Grey Area - 4th December 2004 at 23:04
MAN will be open on the 25th.
By: SHAMROCK321 - 4th December 2004 at 22:53
That would be absoulutlyey disastourous for BHX.Imagine the money lost from all areas.The restaurants would lose a bomb alone.
The Ryanair move to EMA seems like a good idea now but they along with many other airlines operate flights from the airport.VZ alone would be in deep trouble.
What airports in the UK open on the 25th.Dublin will be cloased but as far as I know limited flights in ORK operated last year and Im not sure about incoming Ei flights from the states.
By: SHAMROCK321 - 4th December 2004 at 22:53
That would be absoulutlyey disastourous for BHX.Imagine the money lost from all areas.The restaurants would lose a bomb alone.
The Ryanair move to EMA seems like a good idea now but they along with many other airlines operate flights from the airport.VZ alone would be in deep trouble.
What airports in the UK open on the 25th.Dublin will be cloased but as far as I know limited flights in ORK operated last year and Im not sure about incoming Ei flights from the states.
By: Aviation Man - 4th December 2004 at 22:09
Why is it always on a holiday? 🙁
By: Aviation Man - 4th December 2004 at 22:09
Why is it always on a holiday? 🙁
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December 4, 2004 at 8:26 pm