Manchester Airport chaos: union boss calls for wage increases to help hire new staff to tackle delays

A trade union boss claims working conditions need to improve to help solve the problems facing Manchester Airport over the last few weeks.

Following a meeting with airport bosses this week, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham warned problems will not clear up ‘overnight’ and that there could be delays and disruption for around two months while more staff are hired and trained up.

GMB Union National Secretary Andy Prendergast says he believes wages will need to be increased to help recruit and retain staff.

He says the airport is ‘massively understaffed’ now but employees are working very hard in difficult conditions at check-in, security and baggage handling, and has asked passengers to be patient, ‘get there early and be prepared to queue.’

Mr Burnham also announced that staff from the police force and the fire and rescue service could also be drafted in to help. Mr Prendergast said that could only be seen as a short-term fix, however.

Manchester Airport have been approached for further comment today, but bosses have previously said that the demand for international travel increased quicker than they can hire new employees, who must be security-checked and trained before they can start work.