Gatwick Airport workers have accepted a 16% pay increase, which will benefit 120 security staff at the site.
ICTS employees, who are members of union Unite, called off a vote on industrial action after the employer improved its wage offer. The new deal was agreed following a ballot.
The airport security staff, which includes those responsible for screening baggage and guarding aircrafts, will also receive an unsocial hours enhancement for any hours they work between 11pm and 6am.
ICTS has also agreed to cut zero-hours employment, offering workers a range of permanent contracts.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a tremendous result which has been secured by our members who were fully prepared to take industrial action to secure a fair pay deal.
“Unite is entirely focussed on the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and this deal demonstrates what can be achieved at Gatwick. The union will be looking to replicate this deal across the airport.”
The union plans to use the ICTS deal as a benchmark for others at the airport.
Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell added: “This pay deal serves as an important example to other employers at Gatwick airport in terms of what is both necessary and reasonable. ICTS management narrowly avoided industrial action by coming to the negotiating table and committing to a pay deal that was acceptable to members.
“Unite calls on all employers at the airport to take note of this approach and do the right thing by their staff.”
