A threatened walkout by airport security staff ahead of the August bank holiday has been suspended. The immediate strike threat has been lifted after bosses at Leeds Bradford Airport put forward an improved pay offer.
Members of the GMB union were set to strike for three days next week in the pay dispute but it has been suspended so workers can be consulted about the new offer. A GMB spokesperson said: “Following a number of commitments put forward by Leeds Bradford bosses to improve pay, we now need to fully consult with our members working in security at the airport.
“GMB’s strike committee has agreed to suspend next week’s planned strike action to give us the facility, time and space to consider the new, improved offer with our members.”
A spokesperson at Leeds Bradford airport responded: “Our colleagues are at the forefront of Leeds Bradford airport and we recognise their hard work and significant contributions. We are pleased to have worked closely and constructively with GMB to make progress towards an agreement.
"We’re committed to providing a quality service for our passengers and today is a positive step towards a conclusive agreement with the union and our staff.”
Meanwhile, politicians have urged the owners of Doncaster Sheffield airport to extend a consultation on the future of the site.
The future of the South Yorkshire hub is at risk, after owner Peel Group said the site “may no longer be commercially viable.” This follows an announcement that Wizz Air will withdraw from the airport, leaving TUI as the only airline operating a base at the hub.
Peel Group has now begun a six-week consultation over the airport's future, but local MPs have urged it to extend the consultation until the end of the year.
