MORE than 550 workers at Birmingham Airport will not get a pay rise – despite profits of £5.28 million last year.

Unions who tabled a 4.6 per cent claim for 2011 have been rebuffed in talks to win a salary increase for their members.

A consultative ballot resulted in an overwhelming rejection of the airport stance by 109 votes to 14 in a 50 per cent turnout. Around 580 people, including non union members, face a pay standstill.

Workers have not had a rise agreed since February 2009 and unions say the airport has given no guarantee of any extra money for February 2012.

Earlier this summer, the airport announced after-tax profits of £5.28 million for 2010, representing an eightfold rise.

The increase followed cost-cutting which saw its workforce shrink by 75.

Unite regional official John Partridge said: “Our members have not had a rise since February 2009. February 2010 was the depths of the recession.

“We were expecting something in February 2011.

“There have been efficiency savings but that means that those who are left have had to work harder.

“The workload falls upon fewer shoulders.

“They are still continuing with efficiency savings and they will still make a profit.

“There was a substantial five per cent bonus but that is not guaranteed next year by any means. It’s a one-off and is not the same as an increase in pay.

“The next one would be a claim for February 2012 which is only three months away.

“They have said publicly to us that they cannot guarantee anything then. I have asked for an urgent meeting with the company.”

Airport chief executive Paul Kehoe said: “We have always stated that we have to make a profit so that we can continue to invest in new facilities and the new runway extension.

“Over the last two years, many staff have had pay rises through restructuring and career progression opportunities, and most staff have had greater than inflation awards in 2010 and 2011 through bonuses.”