Stansted Airport pay win

The threat of strike action at Stansted Airport has ended after workers agreed a dramatically improved pay offer.

Over 1,000 members of Unite, who are employed by Stansted Airport, had overwhelmingly voted for strike action having rejected an offer of 7.5 per cent and a one-off payment of £250.

A strike by the workers, who include fire fighters, security officers, cleaners and passenger ambassadors, would have brought serious disruption to the airport.

Following the ballot for industrial action, fresh talks were held and an improved offer was made. The new offer means that the lowest paid workers will receive an 11 per cent increase over the year, with 10 per cent pay for other grades, plus an additional £250 one-off payment.

The workforce overwhelmingly accepted the new offer via a ballot, bringing the dispute to an end.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said,“This is an excellent result for Unite’s members at Stansted Airport. By standing together, they forced the employer to return to the negotiating table and make an improved offer.

“Unite is now entirely focussed on promoting the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and this ballot result demonstrates that this approach is delivering positive results in the workplace.”

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Mark Robinson said: “We are pleased that our strong mandate for strike action made the company improve its offer, which has now been accepted by the overwhelming majority of our members.”

The 10 per cent pay lift consists of an eight per cent increase from 1 April 2022 plus two per cent from 1 October 2022.

By Barckley Sumner