Manchester Airport workers win double digit pay award

More than 2,000 Manchester Airport staff have been awarded a 17% wage increase over two years, as well as a lump sum worth up to 9.6% for the same period.

Trade union Unite said it has struck a pay deal with the company following recent negotiations.

Unite said it has also successfully negotiated a further five years of protection for the workers’ valuable defined benefit pension scheme.

The deal covers workers including firefighters, security, engineering, airfield operations, traffic marshals and car parking staff.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Unite’s relentless focus on the workplace continues to put more money in workers’ pockets.

“The negotiations at Manchester Airport has also protected the defined benefit pension scheme for another five years.”

Additional workers on the National Minimum Wage will also benefit, the union said. Unite negotiated a four per cent increase to the employers’ pension contributions over two years, as well as increases in salary on top of the NMW.

Unite regional officer, John O’Neill, said: “Unite was able to hammer out an excellent pay deal with Manchester Airport this summer.

“The deal has been overwhelmingly backed by the workers and the negotiations took place without the need for an industrial ballot.”