Leeds Bradford Airport strike called off at 11th hour

But a new strike date has been mooted if deal is rejected

Planned strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport will no longer go ahead.

One hundred and thirty workers were set to strike from tomorrow, Friday, October 16 until Sunday, October 18. Workers including air traffic controllers and hourly paid staff, which includes key airport staff such as passport control workers, check-in staff, security, passenger assistance and cleaners were among those set to take action.

But, following crunch talks with airport bosses, they have been given new pay offers and so the strikes have been called off. This will allow workers to be balloted on the new pay offers. Air traffic controllers and hourly paid staff are being balloted separately on their respective offers.

Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: "After receiving offers from Leeds Bradford Airport, we have suspended this week’s strike action in good faith to allow members to vote on pay deals.”

Should these pay deals be rejected, planned strikes from October 23 to November 2 will go ahead. A Leeds Bradford Airport spokesperson said: "We welcome the decision by Unite to withdraw the planned industrial action scheduled for this weekend, providing reassurance for thousands of passengers due to travel through Leeds Bradford Airport over the coming days.

"A revised pay offer remains on the table for our hourly paid colleagues, and we are hopeful this will help support a positive resolution. We remain committed to engaging constructively with employee representatives and working towards an agreement that is fair, sustainable and in the best interests of our colleagues and the airport.

"With all planned strike action now withdrawn for this weekend, Leeds Bradford Airport will operate as normal, with no disruption expected to services. We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding while discussions have been ongoing and look forward to welcoming passengers through the airport as normal."