Families could see their holiday plans disrupted at Norwich Airport this summer after it emerged that staff are considering going on strike.

Pay in every part of the airport, including car park, air traffic and security, is said to be lower than the national average.

Recent negotiations between Prospect - which represents around 70pc of staff - and senior management at Norwich Airport have seen the union decide to ballot its members on potential industrial action between June 30 and December 30.

Norwich Evening News: The industrial action ballot covers all staff in every part of the airport, from carpark to air traffic and securityThe industrial action ballot covers all staff in every part of the airport, from carpark to air traffic and security (Image: Newsquest)

Ian Kelly, Prospect's negotiator, said: "Workers at Norwich Airport are paid significantly less than the national average for jobs of this kind.

"Some roles earn at, or barely above, the minimum wage despite being vital for the security and safety of travellers from the airport.

"Prospect has proposed a pay increase that would bring Norwich Airport in line with the national average, with the option for that increase being incremental to avoid immediate short-term cost pressures.

"We believe this is a fair proposal but it has been blocked by the employer.

Norwich Evening News: The trade union representing staff at Norwich Airport, Prospect, said the airport's initial offer wasn't acceptableThe trade union representing staff at Norwich Airport, Prospect, said the airport's initial offer wasn't acceptable (Image: Newsquest)

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"The bottom line is pay at the airport is so poor that people can earn more, for less stress, flipping burgers.

"If management don't start addressing this they will simply not be able to get anyone to do these jobs and the airport will not be able to function."

High inflation and energy prices have seen the UK regularly disrupted by strikes in the last year, impacting train travel, health care and education.

Airports have also been affected, with Unite announcing earlier this month that a succession of weekend strikes are planned by Heathrow security staff this summer amid a pay dispute.

Norwich Evening News: A spokes man for Norwich Airport said it will continue our discussions with Prospect while we await that outcome of that ballotA spokes man for Norwich Airport said it will continue our discussions with Prospect while we await that outcome of that ballot (Image: Newsquest)

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A spokesman for Norwich Airport said: "We are in ongoing discussions with Prospect and they have informed us that they are balloting their members about the potential for industrial action.

"We will continue our discussions with Prospect while we await the outcome of that ballot and in the meantime, airport operations continue as normal."

A member of staff at Norwich Airport, who wished to be kept anonymous, said: "Norwich airport is rapidly becoming a 'low pay' employer.

"Just after the pandemic, staff were requested to take a voluntary cut in hours to help the airport recover, however those who did have been 'rewarded' with pay rise offers well below inflation."