Planned strikes involving more than 130 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport have been suspended to allow fresh pay negotiations to take place.
Members of the Unite union, including air traffic controllers and hourly paid staff working in passport control and passenger assistance, were due to walk out from Friday (Oct 23) until Monday (Nov 2).
However, the planned industrial action has now been paused after workers agreed to allow further talks between the airport and Unite, brokered by conciliation service Acas.
The decision comes after both air traffic controllers and hourly paid workers overwhelmingly rejected the airport's latest pay offers.
Unite members working in air traffic control are seeking pay parity with colleagues at Newcastle Airport, which is also part-owned by AENA.
According to the union, air traffic controllers at Newcastle Airport earn more than their counterparts at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Meanwhile, Unite said many of the hourly paid workers involved in the dispute earn just above the minimum wage and have been struggling to afford essential living costs.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “Unite is determined to get the best deal for our members at Leeds Bradford Airport, who are a crucial part of their workplace’s success and deserve fair pay to reflect the demanding work they do.
“We have paused action in good faith to have talks with the airport and Acas in the coming days. However, our members still have a strong mandate for industrial action. Should these negotiations not lead to an improved deal that is acceptable to our members, we will not hesitate to announce strike action which will have a major impact on the airport.”
The suspension means the planned walkouts will not go ahead on the announced dates while negotiations continue.
However, Unite has warned that further strike action could be announced if the talks fail to produce an improved pay offer acceptable to its members.