Refuellers working for fuels producer Valero at East Midlands Airport have accepted a two-year pay deal, ending the ongoing threat of industrial action.
The workers, who are members of trade union Unite, had voted to take strike action over a pay dispute, which would have resulted in a standstill in operations at the airport, but this has been called off now that the deal has been accepted.
The refuellers will receive a 6.5% pay increase in the first year of the deal, followed by 3.5% in the second year. Payments will be processed in May’s pay and backdated to June 2024, then the second year’s payment will be received by the workers in their June pay checks.
A total of 10 members of staff will receive the improved pay, while six agency workers will benefit indirectly. The refuellers will also receive enhanced overtime rates, increased holiday entitlements, paid training and a non-consolidated lump sum increase.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Workers will be celebrating this excellent deal, which proves why it pays to be a member of Unite. Our mission to improve pay and conditions is once again putting more money in our members’ pockets.”
Katie Morris, regional officer at Unite, added: “After a year of fighting to improve members’ pay, we are delighted to have won them a great deal. It is a clear of example of why workers looking for decent wages and improvements to their working lives should join Unite.”
Valero was contacted for comment prior to publication.
The airlines that operate at East Midlands Airport include Aer Lingus, Aurigny, Blue Islands, Eastern Airways, Jet2, and Ryanair.
