Airport staff call off Christmas strikes after improved pay offer
Workers had planned action in protest at a suggested 4.65% pay offer, but say the deal has now been improved.
Tuesday 20 December 2016 23:13, UK
A 48-hour strike planned by baggage handlers and check-in staff at 18 airports has been cancelled, says Unite.
Union members employed by Swissport had been due to walk out on Friday for the two days before Christmas, one of the busiest times of the year for travellers.
They had voted for industrial action in protest at a 4.65% pay offer over three years, but the strikes have now been called off.
::
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said a better pay offer had been received.
"I am delighted to report that we have reached an agreement which our shop stewards will recommend to our members," he said.
The airports affected were to include Gatwick, Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Stansted, East Midlands and Belfast.
Aberdeen, Bristol, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Doncaster, Edinburgh, Leeds/Bradford, Luton, Newcastle and Southampton had also expected disruption.
and talks regarding their dispute - also over pay - are continuing.
Mr McCluskey described progress in those talks as "painfully slow".
The airline has said it still expects to run a full service, however.
Meanwhile, and the discontent could soon spread.
, with the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union considering action to protest savings that it says have led to 800 job losses.