Leeds Bradford Airport air traffic controllers strike halted after 'late pay offer'
A new pay offer has been made
Strikes by air traffic controllers at Leeds Bradford Airport have been suspended following a late offer from the airport.
Almost 130 Unite members at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) were due to walk out later this week as part of a pay dispute (Friday 16 to Sunday, October 18).
However, the union has now confirmed that part of this strike has been suspended to allow air traffic controllers to be balloted following a new pay offer from the airport.
If this is rejected, planned strikes from October 23 to November 2 will still go ahead as scheduled.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “Following negotiations, we have suspended the air traffic controller strikes taking place this week to allow members to have their say on a new pay offer.”
Staff involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, and Unite claim the pay in some departments have fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
The union added that workers at LBA are paid less than those doing the same roles at Newcastle Airport, a city with a lower cost of living. For example, a starter air traffic controller at Leeds Bradford earns around £34,000 while the same role at Newcastle is paid £55,000.
Hourly paid staff which includes security, check-in staff, passport control workers and passenger assistance are being balloted on a separate offer.
The ballot for this closes tomorrow, if this is rejected these workers will strike as planned from Friday to Sunday (October 16 to 18).
Leeds Bradford Airport has welcomed the decision and said they appreciate the “constructive approach” taken by all parties to reach this stage.
An airport spokesperson 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. Our focus remains on supporting a smooth and reliable experience for customers while maintaining safe and efficient airport operations.
“We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding during this period of uncertainty and look forward to welcoming them through the airport as normal.”