Strikes at Bournemouth Airport have been called off, after workers accepted an improved offer from the employer.

Around 80 members of Unite, who work in different areas of the airport including baggage handling, check-in, flight dispatching and plane fuelling were due to walk out in a dispute about pay this month.

However, strikes - which would have been highly disruptive - will not go ahead as workers have voted to accept a better, two-year pay deal.

In year one, they will receive a 4.5 per cent salary uplift, plus a £1 per hour enhancement for workers classed as front of house staff, such as security and check in, for hours worked between 03:00 and 06:00 backdated to 1 April. In year two they will receive a pay rise of inflation plus 0.5 per cent, or 3.1 per cent, based on whichever is the greater based on the inflation rate on January 2026. This will be paid on 1 April 2026.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is a great win, which only came about as Unite members stuck together in their fight for better pay. It always pays to be a member of Unite."

Workers at the airport had struggled to afford essentials following years of low pay, but believe this improved offer goes a way to addressing this.

Unite regional officer Janet Wall said: "We are very pleased with this win, which has averted highly disruptive strike action.  Workers at Bournemouth now are on the way to having the fair pay they deserve for their hard work.

"Any worker looking for improvements to their pay should join Unite and encourage colleagues to do the same. There is power in a union."

ENDS

Notes to editors

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org