Air base staff strike suspended

Staff who voted for a strike include aircraft mechanics and refuellers

A strike which was due to begin at RAF Valley on Anglesey has been postponed for a week to allow more talks.

Civilian maintenance staff employed by Babcock had voted for industrial action in a dispute over pay.

An indefinite strike was due to start on Friday by about 300 workers who service the Hawk aircraft there.

Ninety one per cent of those who voted in a ballot rejected a 3% pay offer. But the company and unions at the base have agreed a suspension of the action.

A joint statement by Babcock and the T&G and Amicus unions said the planned strike had been suspended for seven days "as a result of constructive discussions" and to allow negotiations to continue.

The T&G union has said servicing staff at RAF Valley on Anglesey are badly paid compared to others doing similar jobs in the private sector.

Union officials said they would ensure that the rescue helicopter could still operate from the base during any action.