A union that represents security staff at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has hit back at descriptions of their impending strike action as "cynical".
The GMB Union notified LBA its members would engage in industrial action at the end of August unless a "meaningful offer" was made. Bosses at LBA hit out at the announcement and branded any strike action cynical.
LBA also stated that it had increased pay for its security staff by up to 15 per cent for highly skilled staff. But the GMB union disputed both LBA's account and shrugged off claims the union was "cynical".
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A spokeswoman for the GMB told Leeds Live the threats of industrial action were driven by its members who are in a desperate situation. She said: "This is not a rouse by the union. Our members have called this strike.
"Our members are in a desperate situation, given their low level of pay. Our members at LBA have never taken an form of industrial action before or even called for one despite their historical low levels of pay.
"This is indicative of them. They are working in highly pressurised situations because of low levels of staff.
"Airports are struggling to attract workers. They are finding it hard to recruit.
"Staff are pressured to work long weeks, long shifts, struggling to get holidays approved. They are bearing the brunt.
"They are struggling to live because of the low level of pay and the increase in everything at the moment. Many of them unable to get to work.
"People have given up running a car because its too expensive. Members have borrowed money from family members.
"This is not cynical. This is desperation."
The Union also rejected LBA's announcement that they represent less than 25 per cent of the airport's security staff. A spokeswoman for the GMB union said: "The numbers have been going up everyday. We currently have 50 members.
"When we last met with the airport and told them what needed to happen, they told us that they employed 99 people in security. We are 50 they employ 99.
"We believe we have just over 50 per cent membership and the airport is aware of these members. Unless they have recruited a 100 people into security roles in the last week, then that is absolutely bananas.
"If they did, our members wouldn’t be on their knees to keep this airport afloat. These are very responsible workers shouldering massive responsibilities.
"They determine what goes into planes. Our safety is in their hands.
"We have been trying to reason with the airport. They say they don’t have money.
"They keep investing in every aspect of the airport except the most important which is their staff."
GMB said it would remain open to speaking with LBA but it had no option than to engage in industrial action unless pay for its members improved significantly. A spokeswoman for the union said: "We have been waiting and waiting and waiting for the airport to sit down and talk to us.
"Security staff were on £9.06 per hour. An increase of 15 per cent takes it from £9.06 to £9.50 per hour.
"15 percent on very little pay is still very little pay."
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