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Leeds Bradford Airport strikes suspended as fresh pay talks planned

Monday, 19 October 2026 15:58

The suspension means the planned walkouts will not go ahead as scheduled while negotiations take place.

Planned strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport have been suspended to allow fresh negotiations over pay.

More than 130 workers, including air traffic controllers, passport control staff and passenger assistance workers, had been due to walk out from Friday (23rd October) until 2nd November.

However, Unite the union has confirmed that members have agreed to pause industrial action while further talks take place with airport management.

The negotiations will be brokered by conciliation service Acas.

Both air traffic controllers and hourly paid workers had previously rejected the airport's latest pay offers.

Unite said its members remain dissatisfied with their pay and conditions, with air traffic controllers seeking parity with colleagues at Newcastle Airport.

The union claims staff at Newcastle, which is also part-owned by airport operator AENA, earn more than their counterparts at Leeds Bradford.

Meanwhile, many hourly paid workers involved in the dispute are reportedly earning just above the minimum wage.

Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said:

“Unite is determined to get the best deal for our members at Leeds Bradford Airport, who are a crucial part of their workplace’s success and deserve fair pay to reflect the demanding work they do.

“We have paused action in good faith to have talks with the airport and Acas in the coming days.

“However, our members still have a strong mandate for industrial action.

"Should these negotiations not lead to an improved deal that is acceptable to our members, we will not hesitate to announce strike action which will have a major impact on the airport.”

The suspension means the planned walkouts will not go ahead as scheduled while negotiations take place.

However, Unite has warned that further industrial action remains possible if an agreement cannot be reached.

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