Industrial chaos at Stansted Airport and others across the country has been averted after ground staff accepted a pay deal.

Baggage handlers and check-in staff at 16 airports across the UK voted by four to one to accept a 4.2 per cent pay offer.

Unions representing the 4,400 workers at airports including Stansted, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, and Luton said the deal was the "leading" pay settlement in aviation.

The one year deal covers workers employed by aviance, who also provide maintenance, transport and other ground staff.

The Transport and General Workers Union, the GMB and Amicus said the company had recognised the value of paying workers a proper rate for their work.

An aviance spokesman said: "We're delighted that they've accepted the offer, this means we can move forward with our plans for the business."

Published Friday, January 17, 2003

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