Security staff employed by East Midlands Airport have secured a 10% pay increase after 178 Unite members voted for strike action over low pay.
Earlier this year, union members were balloted for action, with 92.8% voting in favour. Following this, the airport made the pay offer, which was accepted this month.
The 10% pay increase for 280 workers has been backdated to 1 September and is more than the 7% uplift and one-off payment of £1,000 pro-rata that the employees received back in April.
In addition, the security staff have been given additional 1% pay rises to be implemented in September 2023 and 2024, on top of any annual increase agreed for the entire airport. As part of the pay package, the overtime rate for the security staff has been increased to time and a quarter.
An East Midlands Airport spokesperson said: “After several weeks of productive talks between East Midlands Airport and Unite about a pay deal for security officers, we are pleased that members voted to accept our latest proposals. The agreement means we can now plan ahead with confidence as the sector and this airport continues its post-Covid recovery.
“We are committed to being an employer of choice, which is why, in recent years, we have ensured our security officers have been paid above the market rate. However, in recognition of cost-of-living challenges and to reward the hard work and dedication of our teams, we are glad to have agreed an enhanced deal.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “This is an excellent result for a group of low paid workers who stood together and ensured that they secured a significant pay increase. Unite is now entirely focused on enhancing the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and this pay victory demonstrates that our strategy is bearing fruit for workers.”
