EasyJet strike at Stansted called off
EasyJet check-in staff who were threatening to disrupt services from Stansted tomorrow have called off their strike action at the last minute after reaching a pay deal with bosses.
Unite, the union representing the 43 workers, said the offer from Stobart Aviation amounted to a 13% pay rise from April 2019.
Stobart, provides check-in services for easyJet at Stansted airport, has also agreed to recognise Unite as the union for collective bargaining purposes.
In a statement, the company said: "Stobart is pleased to confirm that, having worked closely with Unite, it has reached a pay agreement with its front of house employees based at London Stansted Airport. As a result, there will be no strike action impacting easyJet operations at the airport."
Stobart Aviation Services’ managing director Graeme Undy added: "We have engaged with Unite throughout the last few months to establish an agreement that benefits our people, London Stansted Airport and airline passengers planning to fly on holiday this summer.
"This is an important agreement that will mean we can avoid airport disruption for holidaymakers and demonstrates our commitment to engaging, listening and acting in the interests of our people and our customers."
Unite regional officer Mark Barter said:"Our members got a 3% pay rise in April and will now get a further increase which equates to 10% for the vast majority of our members with immediate effect, so this will mean an increase of 13% this year. Fresh pay talks start again in April 2020, so this is only a single year deal.
"We have also gained a full recognition agreement covering both front of house and backroom staff, which means Unite can represent them for trade union collective bargaining purposes.
"Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the solidarity and courage our members have shown during the past weeks. This package represents what can be achieved if you stick together under the banner of a trade union – it is an excellent result for our members."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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