Groundstar staff deal with baggage and check-in

Management at Newcastle Airport hope the improved will avert a series of damaging two-day strikes, which are due to start on Saturday.

More than 150 baggage handlers and check-in staff who work for Groundstar, have already rejected a 3% increase.

Groundstar bosses came up with better offer after a day of talks last week.

The full amount hasn't been disclosed, but the union says it is acceptable.

Groundstar and Newcastle Airport say contingencies are in place to minimise disruption if strike action does go ahead.

In a joint statement, Groundstar and the Transport and General Workers Union, said members will consider a fresh pay offer following "positive" discussions.

'Forthright discussions'

A spokesman for both parties said: "Our discussions have been held in a positive and constructive atmosphere.

"Both parties have striven to resolve not only the issue of wages, but those issues of working conditions that have caused members concern.

"Because of this atmosphere that has been a feature today, and on the back of forthright discussions.

"The company has put on the table a new pay offer which the union finds acceptable to ask the members to vote on."

Groundstar staff at the airport are angry they are paid less than colleagues at Stansted.

Ballot papers were sent to staff at the airport, following the breakdown of talks with management.

The first strike was pencilled in to take place on 22 and 23 August, with subsequent action to take place a week later.

Groundstar workers rejected a 3% pay offer, because staff at Stansted were offered 7.5%.

Groundstar says staff at Stansted were offered more money as they deal with more flights and workers live in a more expensive area of the country.