Staff at Liverpool John Lennon Airport are set to strike for another 12 days.
Industrial action continued at the Speke terminal on Monday following last weekend’s Bank Holiday walkout in an ongoing dispute over pay.
But the GMB union has confirmed that its workers at LJLA will now stage additional walkouts after rejecting the latest offer from airport bosses.
Around 68 per cent of members rejected the proposal of a 2.2% increase and a £150 lump sum due to it falling short of the current rate of inflation.
Four further strike days are scheduled to take place in September while an extra eight will take place in October unless an agreement can be reached.
LJLA have put plans in place to minimise disuption during the planned 12-hour walkouts, which will take place from 7am on September 13, 19, 24 and 26.
80 workers from the airport’s firefighting services, control room, engineering, driver operations and bird control are set to take part in the latest walk-outs.
GMB organiser Eddie Parker said: “It’s not surprising GMB members rejected Liverpool Airport Ltd’s new pay offer – because to accept it would mean a real terms pay cut for them.
“The company really don’t seem willing to compromise – increasing their offer by just 0.2 per cent. Meanwhile, we dropped our expectations by 0.6 per cent to try and avoid industrial action.
“We have informed the company strike action will not be suspended unless a 3.6 per cent increase is offered.
“Despite this attitude, GMB is more than willing to get round the table and try and reach a deal which will stop industrial action – and avoid any more disruption for travellers.”
Airport bosses have sought to reassure travellers that contingency plans are in place to minimalise disruption during the planned strike action periods.
“To date, two strike periods have already taken place totalling 48 hours of industrial action including over the busy Bank Holiday weekend,” read a LJLA statement.
“However robust contingency plans put in place by the Airport Company have ensured that passengers have continued to receive excellent customer service throughout as usual.
“There have been no delays to any flights or disruption to passengers as a consequence of this industrial action, with the number of flights departing on time actually higher than our normal best in class performance for flight punctuality, as previously recognised by OAG.
“These plans will remain in place during any future strikes to ensure that it remains business as usual throughout all further industrial action too.”