Auckland Airport coping despite strike

Auckland International Airport appears to be coping despite a strike by cleaners and baggage handlers.

Around 80 of of the 225 staff employed by Menzies Aviation walked off the job at midnight demanding the company increase its pay rise offer by $5,500.

An airport spokesman says things are running smoothly, but he suspects there will be some disruption as the weekend progresses.

Menzies Aviation says contingency plans are in place. The company says it has already offered staff a nine percent pay rise straight away, and another 5.5 percent over the next year.

The workers will be picketing outside the airport later today.

- NEWSTALK ZB