News: BAA strike called off

Flights > News > # 1633 (02/01/2008)

The first of a series of January strikes by workers at seven airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, has been called off following a breakthrough in talks.
Thousands of firefighters, security, maintenance, administrative and clerical workers were due to walk out for 24 hours on Monday (January 7) in the first of three stoppages in protest at a decision by airport operator BAA to close its final salary pension scheme to new workers.
Glasgow International, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Southampton airports are also affected.
Following several hours of negotiations on New Year’s Eve, officials from Unite, Britain's largest union, said an agreement had been reached in principle to hold consultations over the future of the pension scheme before any changes are made.
The agreement will be discussed by union representatives on Thursday, but in the meantime next Monday's strike has been called off.
A further 24-hour strike planned for January 14, and a 48-hour stoppage starting on January 17 will be called off if the deal is accepted by the union representatives on Thursday.