Airport air traffic control strike action halted

Imminent strikes by air traffic controllers at Leeds Bradford Airport have been suspended following a "late offer" from the airport, a union said.

Workers were due to walk out in a pay dispute between Friday and Sunday, Unite said, but this was suspended to allow air traffic controllers to be balloted on the new offer.

Hourly paid staff, including security, check-in staff, passport control workers and passenger assistants could still walk out from Friday if a separate pay offer is rejected on Wednesday. Strikes between 23 October and 2 November may also still go ahead.

The airport welcomed the "positive" decision to suspend the strike, adding it would be "operating as normal this weekend".

The industrial action affects a total of almost 130 Unite members, the union said.

If the latest air traffic controller pay offer is rejected, planned strikes coinciding with October half-term would still go ahead, it added.

According to Unite, workers at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) are paid less than those doing the same roles at Newcastle Airport.

It said a starter air traffic controller at LBA earned about £34,000, while the same role at Newcastle was paid £55,000.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is wrong that workers at LBA are paid far less than those doing the same job at another nearby airport.

"These are essential workers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the airport and the safety of passengers and deserve fair pay."

In a statement, LBA said: "While the ballot process continues with certain members of our frontline colleagues, we remain hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved and that an agreement can be reached which works for everyone involved.

"Regardless of the outcome of this ballot, LBA has a robust contingency plan in place and will be operating as normal this weekend."

The airport thanked customers for their "patience and understanding during this period of uncertainty", adding: "Our focus remains on supporting a smooth and reliable experience for customers while maintaining safe and efficient airport operations."

In a previous statement, the airport said it had made a "fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation".

Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: "We appreciate those travelling to and from LBA will be concerned to hear that there are further strike dates, but the situation is completely the fault of the airport's management.

"It can end this dispute, but that relies on it coming back to the table with a fair deal for our members."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.