As of right now, there has finally been a bit of good news for the aviation world. It now appears that the airport operator that was set to see a strike from the Unite union has avoid the industrial action. Apparently this happened when the airport operator and the trade union were able to reach an agreement over pay disputes.

During these talks, which were sponsored by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service in London, both sides did agree to a deal in principle. This discussion came just following a ballot last week in which staff at six airports in the UK, including Standsted and Heathrow, voted in favor of a strike. The airport operator stated that it would be unable to operate its airports with these ground staff striking. However, the threat of this summer disruption has finally been removed.

The airport operator, in a statement, said that they are very pleased that the basis of an agreement has been reached on pay. The agreement is one that is fair to staff, but also reflects the difficult economic climate. Overall, the priority is to work with staff to improve the services that the airports provide passengers, as well as airlines. The airport operator looks forward to doing that in the very busy weeks to come.

According to reports, almost 6,000 staff balloted in favor of a strike. This vote for industrial action came after the airport operator offered just a one percent pay rise. Although this raise was accompanied by a 0.5 percent rise, which was linked to changes in annual leave, the Unite union described that offer as being confrontational.