Leeds Bradford Airport strike action suspended - but union warns action not ruled out
Workers had been due to walk out for over a week
Planned strike action at Leeds Bradford Airport has been suspended.
Workers including air traffic controllers and hourly paid staff, which includes passport control workers and passenger assistance, were due to walk out from Friday (October 23) until November 2, during October Half Term.
The Unite union, representing the workers, has today confirmed its members have called off the industrial action to allow for talks with the airport.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “We have paused action in good faith to have talks with the airport and Acas in the coming days. However, 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.”
The union added that its members in air traffic control are calling for pay parity with workers at Newcastle Airport, who Unite say earn more for similar roles.
In a statement, Leeds Bradford Airport said it welcomed the decision to withdraw the planned industrial action.
A spokesperson said: “A revised pay offer remains on the table for both our air traffic controllers and our hourly paid colleagues, and both Unite and LBA agree that ACAS support will be helpful to progress the discussions and it is anticipated that process will commence in the coming days.
“We remain focused on reaching a resolution that is fair, sustainable and in the best interests of our colleagues, customers and the airport.
“With all planned strike action now withdrawn, Leeds Bradford Airport will operate as normal throughout the October Half Term period, with no disruption expected to services.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.”