Leeds Bradford Airport Faces Expanded Strike Threat, Thousands of Travelers Affected

Leeds Bradford Airport announced that a newly announced series of strikes by Unite members will take place between Oct. 23 and Nov. 2, adding to an earlier two-day walkout. The stoppage includes a mix of air traffic controllers, security personnel, passport staff and cleaners, and the union claims it could bring the airport to a standstill. Airport management called the union’s approach “aggressive” and said the airport’s pay proposal is already well above inflation, aiming to preserve the business’s future.

While acknowledging the potential inconvenience for thousands of travelers and local businesses, the airport said it expects to run near-normal services during the dispute. Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham and regional officer Neil Whitaker both accused the airport of offering lower wages than comparable airports and urged management to return to negotiations.