BAA signs pay deal with Unite, averts airport strike

UK airport operator BAA yesterday reached a deal with union leaders at Unite, thereby averting a possible strike action at six UK airports. The details of the deal are expected to be announced today.

The union, meanwhile, said a "much improved" deal is on offer for workers at Heathrow, Stansted, Southampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports.

Brian Boyd, Unite's national officer, said the union was withdrawing the threat of strike while workers voted on the new proposal over the next few weeks.

Speaking outside the headquarters of conciliation service Acas, where the talks were held, Boyd said "Unite's negotiating committee will recommend a much-improved offer from BAA," adding, "Details of the agreement will be made public once BAA staff have been advised of the improved offer."

Boyd thanked Acas for its help during the "tough negotiations."

According to Peter Harwood, chief conciliator at Acas, the talks had been "challenging" but he was pleased that the basis of a deal had been agreed.