Strikes at Bournemouth Airport to take place after new pay offer rejected

UPDATED: 19/09/2025

Strikes will take place at Bournemouth Airport (BOU) later this month after workers rejected a new pay offer from the employer.

Around 80 Unite members, working across baggage handling, check-in, flight dispatching and plane fuelling, had been due to walk out earlier this month in a dispute over pay. That action was suspended while members were balloted on a revised deal, but the offer has now been rejected.

Industrial action will go ahead on 30 September, 1 October, 16 October and 17 October.

Bournemouth Airport has increased its charges by five per cent this year and invested over £50 million in expansion following rising passenger numbers. Unite says staff have been left struggling to afford essentials after years of low pay and believe the latest offer represents a real-terms cut during the cost of living crisis.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is completely unacceptable that people working for a profitable employer are struggling to afford the basics.

“Bournemouth Airport’s success comes from its hardworking staff. It can fully afford to reward them by coming back with fair offer. Unite members will have the full backing of the union during this industrial action.”

The airport serves more than 950,000 passengers a year and flies to 34 destinations across Europe and North Africa, mainly with airlines such as TUI and Ryanair. Strike action is expected to cause serious disruption due to the number of workers involved and their roles across essential services.

Unite regional officer Janet Wall said: “This dispute will inevitably result in major disruption to passengers but this dispute is entirely the fault of the employer.

“Offers so far have been rejected as they don’t go far enough to address years of low pay and the fact that workers are struggling financially. However, Bournemouth Airport can stop this highly disruptive strike action by coming back with a new improved offer.”

Fire service staff at the airport, who are covered by a different bargaining agreement, will not join the strikes after accepting a separate pay deal.

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