'Summer chaos' averted as British Airways workers call off strike, GMB Union said

Hundreds of British Airways workers have called off strikes after voting to accept the company’s latest pay offer, their trade union has confirmed.

Backed by 75% of GMB members, the pay deal will give workers an 8% consolidated pay rise, a one-off bonus and the reinstatement of shift pay.

Previously, over 95% of the union’s members had voted for industrial action during peak summer periods over a 10% pay cut enforced during the pandemic.

As a result, the airline had to cut tens of thousands of flights – causing mayhem at London Heathrow and other airports across the country.

GMB said the aviation workers threatening industrial action were predominantly women and check-in staff.

Nadine Houghton, GMB’s national officer, said: “No one wanted a summer strike at Heathrow, but our members had to fight for what was right.

“This improved pay deal came because of their efforts.

“Now these mainly women workers have won pay improvements for themselves – as well as forcing BA to make this offer to the rest of their staff too.

“Our members stood up for themselves and fought for what they were owed. These are frontline workers facing harassment and abuse from customers daily.

“The least they deserved is fair pay.”

A British Airways spokesperson said: “We are delighted with this positive news.”