(Image: submitted)
PLANNED strike action by around 130 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport has been suspended after staff received revised pay offers.
Workers including air traffic controllers and hourly paid employees, such as check-in staff, security personnel, passenger assistance workers, cleaners and passport control staff, had been due to walk out from Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18.
However, the airport has made new pay offers, prompting Unite the Union to suspend the industrial action while members vote on the proposals.
Air traffic controllers and hourly paid staff will be 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.”
Unite warned that further industrial action could still take place if workers reject the latest proposals. Planned strikes scheduled between October 23 and November 2 will go ahead if members vote against the deals.
The dispute centres on pay, with workers seeking improved terms from the airport operator.
A spokesperson for Leeds Bradford Airport 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."
The airport said the withdrawal of strike action means no disruption to services is expected between October 16 and 18.
Passengers have been advised to travel as normal.
A spokesperson for Leeds Bradford Airport added: "With all planned strike action now withdrawn for this weekend, Leeds Bradford Airport will operate as normal, with no disruption expected to services.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."