To claim the GMB union is against the development of Shoreham Airport (Argus, April 23) is not entirely accurate.

The matter has yet to be fully debated by our members.

At this stage, we have merely registered some reservations. Clearly there is a cost-benefit analysis that must be considered when looking at economic development.

In this case, the cost is to the environment. There are also potential risks to people's health in and around airports.

Interestingly, the airport management appears to have ignored many of our concerns in its response.

Significantly, the airport manager, Mr Haffenden, seems to believe unions should welcome job creation at any cost. We do not.

Indeed, the logical conclusion of Mr Haffenden's view is that modern unions would welcome sending children up chimneys - after all, a job is a job.

-Gary Smith, GMB organiser