A strike by fuel staff that could have disrupted several airlines at Heathrow Airport later this week has been called off.
A total of 50 Aviation Fuel Services (AFS) workers were scheduled to go on a three-day strike over pay from Thursday to Sunday.
However, the union Unite announced on Wednesday that after talks a new salary offer is now on the table.
She will now choose the members for the new offer.
The union said talks at the Acas reconciliation service on Wednesday resulted in AFS’s new offer.
Unite Regional Officer Kevin Hall said: “Unite has consistently stated that AFS is able to provide an offering that is more in line with members’ expectations. After supporting Acas, an improved offer was made.
“Members will now have the time to consider and vote on the new offering.”
Airlines affected include Virgin, United, KLM and Air France.
AFS staff had turned down a 10% pay rise after three years without a pay rise.
Passengers have faced delays and cancellations in recent months, mainly due to staff shortages in the airline industry.
Airports and airlines shedding jobs during the height of the coronavirus pandemic are struggling to hire staff as demand for international travel has returned.
This has led to Heathrow Airport requiring airlines to stop selling summer tickets and cap daily passenger numbers.
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Prices are now rising at their fastest pace in 40 years, prompting many unions and workers across the UK to demand wage increases.
Railway workers, train drivers, postal workers and check-in staff at Heathrow are among several groups who have been on strike or voting for industrial action in recent weeks.
Inflation, the rate at which prices are rising, hit 9.4% in the 12 months to June, up from 9.1% in May, and is forecast to rise later this year.
The Bank of England and the government have said wage increases to deal with the current cost of living could fuel inflation further.
AFS is a joint venture that includes BP, Total Energies, Q8 Aviation and Valero Energy.
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