The threat of a strike by baggage handlers at Gatwick has been averted after a pay deal was agreed during talks between unions and employers.

Unions representatives are recommending workers accept a new offer which would end the threat of travel chaos during the summer holidays.

The breakthrough came during day-long talks between the two sides at Gatwick following the union's rejection of a previous pay offer worth 2.5 per cent this year.

The new deal is worth 3.5 per cent this year and a similar amount next year.

Brendan Gold, national officer of the Transport and General Workers' Union, said: "I am pleased that after a hard day's negotiations the company has recognised the contribution of its workers.

"We will be recommending this deal which will avert strike action." Allan Black, national officer of the GMB, said he was confident the deal would be accepted by workers.

"It is the best offer that can be achieved through negotiations. A strike was the last thing we wanted so this has been a good day for the unions, a good day for the company and good day for passengers."

Aviance, which is owned by the Go-Ahead group, has baggage handling, check-in and other operations at the UK's leading airports including Gatwick, Heathrow, Glasgow, Manchester and Stansted.

Chief executive Richard Hunt said: "We have now reached agreement which enables us to reassure our customers and through them, the travelling public, there will be no disruption."

Mr Hunt said the deal meant the company would not have to face the threat of disruption again next summer, adding: "All the uncertainty this week has been unfortunate especially when people have already made their travel plans."

The deal will affect thousands of workers at 17 airports.

Thursday July 08, 2004