Members of Unite the union, employed within security at East Midlands Airport, have secured a 10 per cent pay increase after voting for strike action.

Huge yes vote

The Unite members recorded a 92.81 per cent vote for strike action over low pay earlier this month. The strike vote coincided with East Midlands Airport making a substantial pay offer. This was then accepted following a ballot of members.

In addition to a 10 per cent increase in pay backdated to 1 September 2022, the security staff will also receive an additional one per cent pay increase in September 2023 and 2024. The one per cent increase will be on top of any annual increase agreed for the entire airport.

Excellent result

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent result for a group of low paid workers who stood together and ensured that they secured a significant pay increase.

 “Unite is now entirely focused on enhancing the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and this pay victory demonstrates that our strategy is bearing fruit for workers.”

Overtime rates

In addition, as part of the new pay package, the overtime rate for the security staff has been increased to a time and a quarter.

The 10 per cent pay increase is over and above the seven per cent pay uplift and one off payment of £1,000 (pro-rata) which workers at the airport received in April this year.

Teamwork

Unite regional officer Melanie Todner said: “This pay deal could not have been secured without the hard work of Unite’s representatives at East Midlands Airport, as well as the Unite organisers and the commitment of all our members.

“Unite will now be looking to build on this result to tackle low pay throughout the aviation sector in the East Midlands.”

ENDS

 Notes to editors:

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.