Leeds Bradford Airport has welcomed the suspension of planned air traffic control strike action this weekend<\/p>\n
But the wider pay dispute involving almost 130 workers remains unresolved, with Unite warning that further industrial action could still go ahead.<\/p>\n
The union had announced potential walkouts by air traffic controllers, customer experience staff, security workers and cleaners, with strike dates scheduled between 16 and 18 October and further action planned from 23 October to 2 November – the start of the half-term break.<\/p>\n
The dispute centres on pay, with Unite claiming workers at Leeds Bradford are paid significantly less than colleagues doing the same jobs at Newcastle Airport.<\/p>\n
The union said a starting air traffic controller at Leeds Bradford earns about \u00a334,000, compared with \u00a355,000 for the equivalent role at Newcastle.<\/p>\n
In its latest statement, Leeds Bradford Airport said: \u201cWe welcome the decision to suspend the planned air traffic control strike at LBA this weekend, providing reassurance for thousands of passengers due to travel over the coming days.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is positive news for our customers, airline partners and the wider Yorkshire region. We appreciate the constructive approach taken by all parties to reach this stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The airport said it had a robust contingency plan in place and would be operating as normal this weekend, regardless of the ballot outcome.<\/p>\n
It added that its focus remained on providing a smooth and reliable experience for customers while maintaining safe and efficient operations.<\/p>\n
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: \u201cWe appreciate those travelling to and from Leeds Bradford Airport will be concerned to hear that there are further strike dates, but the situation is completely the fault of the airport\u2019s management.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can end this dispute, but that relies on it coming back to the table with a fair deal for our members.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham previously said: \u201cIt is wrong that workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid far less than those doing the same job at another nearby airport.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are essential workers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the airport and the safety of passengers and deserve fair pay.\u201d<\/p>\n
The airport has previously said it was disappointed by the escalation of the dispute and did not believe strike action was the right way to resolve the outstanding issues.<\/p>\n
It said: \u201cThe airport has made a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both the current challenging economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.\u201d<\/p>\n
The airport added that updated offers were on the table, with one being put to a ballot after being recommended by the union. It said it remained committed to reaching a fair resolution through meaningful discussion.<\/p>\n
Alongside the dispute, the airport is continuing a programme of investment in its facilities, infrastructure and operations through its LBA project. A new central security search zone and staff welfare facilities opened this month.<\/p>\n
The airport thanked customers for their patience and understanding during the uncertainty, saying it looked forward to welcoming passengers as normal this weekend.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The dispute centres on pay, with Unite claiming workers at Leeds Bradford are paid significantly less than colleagues doing the same jobs at Newcastle Airport<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":271992,"featured_media":2106033,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53262,47996],"coauthors":[137100],"class_list":["post-2161492","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-news","category-transport","tag-featured-story","tag-yorkshire"],"yoast_head":"\n