Pay deal averts threat of airport strikes

The threat of strikes by thousands of airport workers in the UK which could have caused travel chaos for holidaymakers was averted tonight.

Lengthy talks between leaders of Unite and bosses from airport operator BAA led to a new pay deal which will be recommended for acceptance.

Unite said a “much improved” offer had been tabled and workers at Heathrow, Stansted, Southampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports will be urged to accept the deal.

Unite’s national officer Brian Boyd said the union was calling off the threat of strikes while workers vote on the new proposal in the next few weeks.

Details of the new deal will be announced tomorrow after workers have been told the outcome of today’s talks.