Planned strikes by more than 130 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport have been suspended to allow fresh negotiations over pay.
Members of Unite, including air traffic controllers, passport control staff and passenger assistance workers, had been due to take industrial action from Friday, October 23, until November 2.
The union said workers had strongly rejected the airport’s latest pay offers but had agreed to pause the planned action while talks take place with the airport, brokered by the conciliation service Acas.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said the union wanted a better deal for workers, adding that the action had been suspended in good faith to allow negotiations to take place.
Neil Whitaker, Unite regional officer, said: Unite is determined to get the best deal for our members at Leeds Bradford Airport, who are a crucial part of their workplace’s success and deserve fair pay to reflect the demanding work they do.
He warned that industrial action remained an option if negotiations failed to produce an improved offer acceptable to members.
Neil Whitaker, Unite regional officer, said: Our members still have a strong mandate for industrial action. Should these negotiations not lead to an improved deal that is acceptable to our members, we will not hesitate to announce strike action which will have a major impact on the airport.
Air traffic controllers involved in the dispute are seeking pay parity with colleagues at Newcastle Airport, which is also partly owned by airport operator AENA.
Unite said many of the hourly paid workers involved in the dispute earn only slightly above the minimum wage and are struggling to afford essential living costs.
The suspension means the planned walkouts will not go ahead on the scheduled dates while negotiations take place. The union has not ruled out further strike action if an agreement cannot be reached.