Talks fail to avert airport strike

A strike by workers at John Lennon Airport in Liverpool is to go ahead on Thursday after last-ditch talks failed to resolve a row over jobs.

The GMB said its members employed by Servisair will walk out from 4am in an indefinite stoppage in protest at plans to axe 27 jobs.

The GMB said baggage handlers and other ground staff at the airport will now go ahead with the strike.

Eddie Parker, of the GMB, said: "We regret the inconvenience the dispute will have on the travelling public."

John Lennon Airport said it had been assured by ServiSair that it would be "business as usual" despite the threatened strike.

A spokesman said the airport had been assured robust contingency plans were in place to ensure passengers would not be inconvenienced.

Airport director Andy Gower said: "Naturally, we are disappointed that this planned industrial action appears to be going ahead.

"However, the reassurances we have been given means we expect passengers whose airline uses ServiSair to be able to get away on flights without any problems."