Airport staff in talks over pay

Workers voted to rejected a management pay deal

Management and union officials at Liverpool John Lennon Airport are to meet in an effort to avert strike action over a pay dispute.

The airport has been in talks for several weeks with unions to resolve issues surrounding pay and conditions.

This comes after unions rejected a pay deal for many workers including Air Traffic Control, Fire Fighting services and engineering staff.

The first meeting will take place on Thursday next week.

More than 82% of union members voted to reject the pay deal that would have seen a 3.8% increase backdated to April and rising to 4% from October.

Airport 'disappointed'

However, both Airport management and the unions say they are determined to resolve the dispute without industrial action.

Neil Pakey, JLA's Managing Director, said: "The Airport Company is naturally disappointed by the rejection of our latest pay award and improved conditions.

"However what is important is that there is a real desire and commitment on both sides to reach a compromise so that this matter can be settled as soon as possible."

In a joint statement, Eddie Parker, GMB Union Organiser and Carol Devereux, UNITE Regional Organiser, added: "These meetings are being conducted with a view to making developments between the employees and the employer."