Stansted Easter strike called off

Planned strikes by ground staff at Stansted Airport over Easter have been called off (Reuters)

Planned strikes by ground staff at Stansted Airport over Easter have been called off after peace talks.

Members of the GMB union had been due to walk out for four hours on Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Monday in a dispute over pay.

Union members employed by Swissport voted overwhelmingly for strike action after the GMB claimed they were facing cuts of up to £1,000 a year because of shift changes.

The union said that following talks with the company today, the strike had been suspended.

Swissport said in a statement: "We are pleased that passengers and families travelling over the Easter weekend will no longer face potential disruption.

"We will continue our talks in an attempt to reach a joint consensus that ensures we understand our commercial challenges and balance the need for the work life balance of our employees."

Further talks will be held later this month.

PA