The affected employees are in the CAAPS defined benefit pension scheme. The Authority bypassed the unions, instead directly approaching individual staff on various options said to be needed because of changes to national insurance contributions from April 2016.

When the unions objected, the CAA insisted this was not a matter for collective bargaining.

“The unions fundamentally disagree and have now officially entered a dispute with the CAA over the lack of consultation,” said Prospect national secretary Steve Jary.

“CAA’s failure to consult the unions on this issue should also worry members of the defined contribution pension scheme. No changes should be made to staff pensions – or any other terms and conditions – without consulting the trade unions first.”

Jary said 33% of staff in the CAAPS DB pension scheme had told the employer they would rather see an increase in the retirement age to 61 than higher contributions (only preferred by 21%).

“Clearly this type of consultation is inadequate for our members’ purposes. Staff need the expert backing of their unions,” he added.

Members have been invited to tell the unions what they want from the process, including their preferred pension options.

Members are being invited to general meetings in early January in London and Gatwick. 

“We are stronger together. So please let your colleagues know what is being done and encourage non-members to join us,” Jary said.