Norwich Airport members secure improved pay and conditions

After an 18-month dispute, Prospect members working in air traffic control (ATC) at Norwich Airport, have voted to accept the latest offer made by their employer. Accepted by 91% of members, the offer includes:

• A 6% consolidated pay increase from 1 September 2026
• Continued inclusion in annual collective pay negotiations
• Pension benefits worth the equivalent to a 7% employer contribution
• Significant improvements to maternity and paternity leaveAccess to private medical insurance.

Pay for Norwich Airport’s ATC members had fallen well below industry standards, while pension provision and parental leave were limited to the statutory minimum. Together, these issues contributed to ongoing recruitment and retention challenges.

In August, members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action to address the issues. First, members took action short of strike but after negotiations failed to produce an improved offer, a one-day strike was held on the 28 August. A new offer from the employer arrived on the 9 October which members voted to accept on the 19 October.

The win demonstrates the power of sustained collective action and Prospect will now work with the airport to implement the changes.

Prospect National Secretary for Aviation, David Avery, said:

“Prospect members have ended their industrial action at Norwich Airport after an acceptable offer was made by management.

“While we are pleased that a resolution was eventually found, it was disappointing that members were forced to take industrial action in order to secure it.

“This episode has underlined the vital importance of our members to Norwich Airport, and we trust that in the future management will work with us to resolve issues earlier without the need for industrial action.”