Ryanair flights from Leeds Bradford airport could be affected this Christmas with Swissport workers set to strike over pay.
Nearly 50 members of Unite, the UK's leading trade union, working at Leeds-Bradford airport are to strike over the next two months potentially leading to the grounding of planes.
Ramp agents who are employed by Swissport are taking 16 days of industrial action from 19th December to 4th January after their employer refused to make additional "de-icing" payments that Swissport workers in other airports receive.
The workers are predominantly employed on Ryanair flights at the airport.
The workers, whose starting pay is just £11.75 per hour, do vital tasks at the airport including moving airplanes around the terminals safely, baggage handling and operating specialised vehicles.
When the weather is particularly cold, they undertake additional "de-icing" duties at all times of day and night (beginning at 03:30) to ensure aircraft are safe to use. This has traditionally carried an additional £125 per month payment.
Swissport has refused to make such payments to workers at Leeds-Bradford despite it being on offer to employees at other airports.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
"Swissport is making millions off the backs of our members who work at all times of day and night, in all weathers, doing a tough and vital job ensuring planes are safe to use.
"That they are being denied this additional payment beggars belief. Unite won't stand for our members being hard done by in this way.”
Swissport recently made pre-tax profits of £10.5 million in the UK.
Unite regional officer Chris Muscroft said:
"Our members literally sign paperwork that makes them accountable for all the lives on board a plane. Our de-icing trained members are out from very early in the morning and are expected to cover any delays beyond finish times.
“The strike will cause enormous disruption to flights at the airport. But this dispute is entirely a result of Swissport’s Scrooge like behaviour. This additional payment, a drop in the ocean for Swissport."

Audition for IMTS Spring musical, The Great British Bake Off
Comedy, music & drama this July at Ilkley Playhouse
Flotilla Ilkley Summer 7s returns for a day of top class rugby
Moorfield school invites all to Turner Prize inspired Art Exhibition
Silsden gardeners get ready for Open Gardens Weekend
Solstice runners raise £25,000 for Sue Ryder
Community goes quackers for Burley-in-Wharfedale Duck Race
Amber heat warning issued for West Yorkshire
Ilkley town centre offices could be converted into accommodation
Bin crews to start earlier this week due to the heat
Local food and drink delights at Ilkley Cycle Races
Extra funding expected to deal with potholes
Ilkley Pride celebrates 5 years of inclusion, creativity, and community spirit
Still time to sign up for Solstice Saunter on Sunday
Ilkley gym member crowned British National Powerlifting Champion
Leeds Bradford Airport to launch weekly flights to Santorini
Addingham Gala Festival set to be 'Out of this World'
Review: The 4th Waterman Piano Recital
Ilkley Firefighters unite with Mountain Rescue for Wharfedale Three Peaks
Fusion Chocolate in Ilkley celebrates another award win


