Thousands of Swissport airport ground staff have accepted a pay rise, ending industrial disputes that threatened disruption at some of the UK’s largest airports.
Workers voted 61% in favour of a 10% pay increase, the highest ever offered by Swissport according to the GMB union.
National officer Matt Roberts said: “Bosses in the aviation sector must now continue to rebuild; investing big in our aviation workers.
“By negotiating with GMB to value and retain workers, there is a chance for employers to avoid a repeat of chaos for holidaymakers this summer.”
Swissport operates at the UK’s busiest airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, with some 66,000 staff responsible for baggage and cargo handling, as well as checking passengers in.
Following a surge in demand last year, airports struggled to cope with passenger higher numbers, mainly due to staff shortages caused by cuts made during the pandemic.
Strikes by Border Force workers have also led to disruption, with previous action taking place over the Christmas period.
PCS union head Mark Serwotka suggested in late December that these strikes could continue well into the new year unless a pay deal is made with the government soon.