LUTON Airport passengers are set to face over two weeks of travel disruption as security guards announce their intention to strike.
The strike, which will affect baggage checks and security across the airport, will start from tomorrow (Wed 1) at 4:30am and last until 8:59pm on May 5.
A second strike will then take place from May 7 at 4:30am to 8:59pm on May 13.
More than 96 per cent of workers voted to strike after a disagreement over shift patterns.
Unite claim that a new pattern, which will affect 120 security guards, will result in staff working an extra 15 days a year.
Unite regional officer, Jeff Hodge said: “Luton Airport is taking a very heavy- handed approach by trying to force security guards to work an extra 15 days.
“As a result the airport has now provoked strike action over the bank holiday weekend.
“Security guards at Luton Airport work hard and have an incredibly important job to do.
“The airport needs to take responsibility for the staff shortages by doing what’s needed to recruit new staff rather than heaping all the burden on to its workforce.
“The union offered to put the strike on hold to allow talks to continue but management is pressing ahead with its changes.
“The airport now faces serious disruption over the bank holiday unless management urgently enters into genuine negotiations.”
A Luton Airport spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “We are disappointed Unite is pressing ahead with industrial action, however we have robust contingency plans in place to minimise disruption to passengers.
“We remain open to further talks with Unite, but they have declined our requests to meet.”
Earlier this year, baggage handlers and check in staff at Luton Airport threatened to strike due to a pay dispute.
However, this was called off at the last minute.