Airport workers vote for strike

The union said nearly 70% of its members voted to strike

Birmingham International Airport could be forced to close over Christmas after workers voted to strike in a row over two dismissed workers.

The union Amicus said nearly 70% of its members, made up of security, fire and maintenance workers, voted in favour.

It said allegations of unauthorised absence, falsification of records and breaches of trust had no foundation.

Airport management said the result was disappointing and the runway would have to close if safety was compromised.

Richard Heard, the airport's managing director, said: "It is extremely disappointing that Amicus and some of its members are seeking to condone serious breaches of safety procedures through industrial action that could cause major disruption.

"This dispute is unwarranted and unnecessary."

The airport admits that if the airport's fire service supported the strike action, the runway would have to be closed.

The union is helping the sacked pair take claims for unfair dismissal to an employment tribunal.

Gross misconduct

Officials claimed surveillance techniques used by management were in breach of data protection and human rights laws and are seeking legal advice.

Peter Coulson from Amicus said there was strong support for the strike and his responsibility was to his members while the airport was accountable to passengers.

"It's with regret that we have got to resort to industrial action over Christmas," he said.

He added that the union was not prepared to tolerate the way the airport had behaved towards the two workers.

The airport has said the two airside safety officers left the site on seven consecutive shifts for a total of 55 hours and they signed for work that they did not do.

The decision to dismiss them for gross misconduct was upheld following an appeal.

Mr Heard said: "I sincerely apologise to all our passengers and the many partner companies and organisations at the airport that would be impacted by the strikes announced by Amicus."

He said they would continue to seek a resolution to the dispute with Amicus and the conciliation service Acas.

He said the company had "absolute confidence" in the fairness of its actions, but continued to offer independent binding arbitration.