A strike by airport ground handlers and check-in staff that threatened to cause disruption to thousands of Christmas travellers has been suspended.
Workers at Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports last week backed the action over a “divisive” pay offer from ground handling company Dnata, which would have seen supervisors get a 4.5 per cent pay rise – double the 2.25 per cent for other staff.
More than 460 members of union group Unite had been due to walkout tomorrow for two days but following an “improved” offer from Dnata and a “breakthrough” in talks with conciliation service Acas the strike was suspended.
In a statement Dnata confirmed that Unite has accepted the offer of an increase of 2.25 per cent plus a one-time payment of £175 for all employees.
“Unite agreed to the new salary award following Cnata’s incorporation of additional compensation for all elements of shift pay, London weighting allowance, and LGV supplement for all eligible employees. Salary increases will be backdated to 1 July 2014."
Unite regional officer Kevin Hall said: “Unite is pleased to confirm that strike action has been suspended following a revised offer which better reflects the contribution our members make to the company."
Unite members also include aircraft push back drivers, loaders and HGV drivers.
Dnata’s main customers include: Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways, Qantas Airways and US Airways.