(Image: Leeds Bradford Airport)
Strike action at a major UK airport has been called off at the last minute.
About 130 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport, including air traffic controllers, passport control staff, security, and cleaners, were due to begin a three-day walkout from tomorrow, Friday October 16.
The strike was suspended after the airport put forward new pay offers.
Neil Whitaker, regional officer for Unite, 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."
Workers will now be balloted on the revised proposals, with air traffic controllers and hourly paid staff voting separately.
If the offers are rejected, further industrial action is scheduled to take place from October 23 to November 2.
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The dispute centres on pay and involves key staff responsible for airport operations and passenger services.
As reported, about 130 workers were due to strike between October 16 and 18, and escalated the industrial action by announcing fresh dates from October 23 to November 2.
Unite trade union had warned that the airport was "expected to experience a shutdown" as the action over pay involved essential workers, including air traffic controllers, security personnel, customer experience staff and cleaners.
Unite is arguing that Leeds Bradford Airport workers are earning less than those doing the same roles at Newcastle Airport - based in a city with a lower cost of living.
How has Leeds Bradford Airport responded?
A spokesman for Leeds Bradford Airport previously said it respected the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action but did not believe it was the right way to resolve the issues that are still under discussion.
Following the latest announcement by Unite, a spokesperson for LBA 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"With all planned strike action now withdrawn for this weekend, Leeds Bradford Airport will operate as normal, with no disruption expected to services.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."
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