Leeds Bradford Airport air traffic controller strikes suspended after late pay offer

Leeds Bradford Airport air traffic controller strikes have been suspended following a late offer from the airport, say Unite union.

Air traffic controller strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport have been suspended following a late offer, say Unite. <i>(Image: Submitted)</i>

(Image: Submitted)

Air traffic controller strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport have been suspended following a late offer from the airport, say Unite union.

The industrial action, which was due to take place from this Friday, October 16 to October 18, has just been called off to allow workers to vote on the new proposal.

If this is rejected, fresh planned strikes from October 23 to November 2 will still go ahead.

Neil Whitaker, regional officer for Unite, said: "Following negotiations, we have suspended the air traffic controller strikes taking place this week to allow members to have their say on a new pay offer."

Meanwhile, hourly-paid staff which includes security, check-in staff, passport control workers and passenger assistance are being balloted on a separate offer.

The ballot closes tomorrow, Wednesday, October 14. Unite says if this is rejected these workers will strike as planned from Friday to Sunday (16 to 18 October).

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The dispute centres around claims that staff at Leeds Bradford are paid less than counterparts at Newcastle Airport, despite the latter being in a city with a lower cost of living.

LBA open and operating as normal this weekend

A spokesperson for Leeds Bradford Airport welcomed the decision to suspend this weekend's planned air traffic control strike at LBA, providing reassurance for thousands of passengers due to travel over the coming days.

"This is positive news for our customers, airline partners and the wider Yorkshire region. We appreciate the constructive approach taken by all parties to reach this stage.

"While the ballot process continues with certain members of our frontline colleagues, we remain hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved and that an agreement can be reached which works for everyone involved.

"Regardless of the outcome of this ballot, LBA has a robust contingency plan in place and will be operating as normal this weekend.

"Our focus remains on supporting a smooth and reliable experience for customers while maintaining safe and efficient airport operations.

"We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding during this period of uncertainty and look forward to welcoming them through the airport as normal."

Earlier today LBA said the 'aggressive tactics' behind the newly-announced of strike dates served no purpose.

The strike threat forms part of a wider pay dispute involving around 130 workers, including air traffic controllers, security staff, customer experience staff, and cleaners.

This weekend's two-day walk-out over pay at Leeds Bradford Airport had been due to begin at 3am on Friday, October 16, involving workers from air traffic control, customer experience, security, and cleaning teams.

The industrial action would have run until 6am on Sunday, October 18, with air traffic control staff beginning their strike from 6am on the Friday.

The union had warned that the action would "force a total shutdown of the airport, with no flights able to operate and no staff available to assist passengers within the terminal".

The airport had dismissed this claim, saying it would run 'near-normal operations'.