Christmas strikes to shut airport

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

Up to 200 workers at Birmingham Airport are to go on a series of strikes which would force the airport to close over the Christmas period.

Trade union Amicus announced nine days of industrial action on Monday, which includes 12-hour walk-outs on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve.

Staff agreed to strike on Friday in a row over two dismissed workers.

The airport fire service, engineering, terminals, security and operations will be affected.

Unfair dismissal

The first strike is planned for 28 November and then 8, 10, 12, 19, 24, 26, 31 December and 6 January.

Amicus said nearly 70% of its members voted in favour of industrial action.

Spokesman Peter Coulson said: "We regret having to resort to industrial action over the Christmas period, but the union and its members will not tolerate the airports unacceptable behaviour towards two loyal hardworking members of staff.

"If Birmingham International Airport acts in an indiscriminate manner they must be held to account."

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

The union said allegations of unauthorised absence, falsification of records and breaches of trust made against the members of staff had no foundation.

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

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

The airport has said the two airside safety officers left 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.