British airport operator BAA and the Unite union are to hold talks aimed at averting planned strikes by ground staff, conciliation service Acas said today.
Unite said yesterday its members at BAA, owned by Spanish group Ferrovial, had voted three-to-one in favour of industrial action in a dispute over pay.
The threatened walk-out by essential staff including security guards, firemen and engineers would probably close BAA's six British airports, which include London's Heathrow and Stansted, and could disrupt the travel plans of many thousands of people.
Acas said both sides had agreed to hold talks as soon as possible.
"We can confirm that Acas will be facilitating an early meeting of the parties once diaries can be cleared," Acas chief conciliator Peter Harwood said.
Unite's officials are due to meet on August 16th to decide the dates of any walk-outs. The union has to give seven days notice of planned industrial action.
Reuters