ABM workers at Stansted Airport have accepted a pay deal, ending the threat of potential strike action.
Around 100 members of staff, who look after passengers with disabilities by escorting them on and off flights and through the airport, have accepted a two-year pay deal.
In the first year, they will receive a 3.8% uplift, backdated to November 2025, plus an additional 1% from this month. In the second year, they will receive a 3.5% pay rise and a £350 pro-rata payment.
The workers were balloted for strike action in March. They argued that they now have more responsibility and pressure, and believe they should have a pay increase that reflects this. They also claimed they were paid below the London living wage of £14.80.
Strike action on 3-6 May was suspended. Following negotiations, it was called off to allow the workers to be consulted on a pay deal. A previous planned strike on 17-20 April was also postponed for a pay consultation.
An ABM spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have reached a resolution in collaboration with Unite that works in the best interests of our team members and the passengers we serve. We recognise the fantastic work our team does everyday and are delighted to be able to provide a pay increase which reflects the value of that work and recognises the current cost of living.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary at trade union Unite, added: “By standing together and having a mandate for industrial action, workers at ABM have won themselves a better pay offer.”
Steve Edwards, regional officer at Unite, said: “These workers do a vital job at Stansted and we are glad the employer recognised this following extensive negotiations. Unite is very happy to have secured this deal for our members at ABM, which guarantees pay rises for two years.”
