Groundstar staff deal with baggage and check-in

Baggage handlers and check-in staff at Newcastle airport have voted to accept their employer's latest pay offer, averting the threat of strike action at Newcastle Airport this week.

A total of 170 staff had rejected their employer Groundstar's first offer of 3%, but have now accepted an offer believed to be 5%.

They had been threatening to start a series of two-day strikes this Friday, but on Monday afternoon a majority voted to accept a new offer.

Joe Keith from the T & G said members had voted by a small majority to accept the new wage deal, and that no planned strike action will now take place.

The first in a series of two-day strikes was pencilled in to take place on 22 and 23 August, with subsequent action to take place a week later.

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

The company and Newcastle Airport had said contingency plans were in place to minimise disruption if strike action does go ahead.