WORKERS at Southampton Airport are set to strike after "months of unacceptable delays by airport bosses". 

Unite the Union claims the airport in Eastleigh will face "shutdown" as workers take a series of one-day strikes on November 5, November 12 and November 19. 

The organisation says employees including operations controllers, firefighters, technicians and engineering workers haven't had a pay increase since 2019. 

It says inflation is running at 12.6 per cent but AGS Airports Ltd, which also owns Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, is offering workers a "real terms pay cut between 4% and 6%". 

READ MORE: Southampton Airport to make a loss - but runway extension 'will make it viable'

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "During the pandemic workers at Southampton Airport made huge sacrifices, accepting reductions in pay and conditions while working around the clock to keep the airport safe and running.

"Inflation is now at a 40-year high. It’s completely wrong for the employers, AGS, to refuse these safety-critical workers a decent pay increase after a three-year freeze.

"The workers have had enough. The airport bosses need to make a realistic pay offer to the staff if they are to avoid an escalation of the dispute. They should do that now."

The union says it is now calling for a "significant uplift in line with inflation and an urgent review of the salary bands".

But a spokesman for AGS Airports Ltd said: “We value our people and are determined to find a resolution.

"In an effort to do so we are engaging the dispute resolution service ACAS with a view to finding a way forward that works for all parties."

Unite regional officer, Ian Woodland, said: "Southampton Airport has a good future ahead.

"Not only did the workers go beyond the call of duty during the pandemic but they campaigned to help secure the runway extension.

"It’s time to recognise the workers’ contribution with a fair pay deal."

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