Some employees at Birmingham Airport are striking this month and the airport has issued some advice to help those who are travelling via the airport.

The small number of employees is planning to strike on Tuesday, July 18 and following negotiations with Unite the Union, Birmingham Airport made a revised pay offer of 10.5% on 11 July, backdated to April 1.

It says this offer is well above the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation and the UK average pay settlement this year of 6%. 

Although it was recommended by Unite officials that the offer be accepted, the union’s Birmingham Airport members rejected the offer.

Birmingham Airport said it wanted to move discussions to the next stage but that Unite the Union hasn’t postponed or lifted the strike action.

The airport anticipates that the strike action will go ahead from 00.01 am on July 18.

Birmingham Airport issues advice ahead of planned strike action

Birmingham Airport has shared advice to passengers travelling during the strike and it is attempting to minimise the strike’s impact on holidaymakers.

It says all customers should closely follow advice from their airlines when it comes to arrival times at the airport.

Birmingham Airport is also asking for customers to put as much hand luggage as possible into the aircraft hold to limit the volume of items subject to pre-flight security checks and to minimise delays.

It also asks that customers only take essential items on the plane with them and it is advising that all hand luggage be checked in which it says is free of charge with most airlines.

Customers are also advised to not carry any liquids except baby food and medication.

The airport also asks that customers make sure they are prepared for security checks by emptying all their pockets and removing any belts or jackets.

It added that a bag will be provided to customers who need it to take their essential items through security.

What happens if you miss your flight due to airport delays?

If the strike action continues throughout the summer, the airport said it will ensure disruption is minimised.

Birmingham Airport says it remains committed to resolving the dispute and to avoid inflicting damaging strike action on its customers.

The airport is urging union members to reconsider their position and continue the collective effort from all colleagues in helping the airport recover from the pandemic and giving customers “consistently great service”.