Stansted Airport in the UK has averted a strike by agreeing to an 11% pay rise for workers.
As the striking workers included firefighters, security officers, cleaners and passenger ambassadors, the industrial action was expected to have brought serious disruption to the airport. Over 1,000 members of the Unite union who are employed by Stansted Airport had voted for strike action, having rejected an offer of 7.5%. Following the ballot on 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% increase over the year, with a 10% rise for other grades, plus an additional £250 (US$282) one-off payment. The 10% pay lift consists of an 8% increase from April 1, 2022, plus 2% from October 1, 2022.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, 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 focused 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.”
Mark Robinson, regional coordinating officer at Unite, 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.”