Around 100 ABM workers accept two-year deal at Stansted Airport

Around 100 ABM workers at stansted airport have accepted a two-year pay deal, ending the threat of strike action. The workers escort passengers with disabilities through the airport and on and off flights, and the agreement follows a ballot for strike action in March.

ABM deal at Stansted Airport

The settlement gives the workers a 3.8% uplift backdated to November 2025 in the first year, along with an additional 1% from this month. In the second year, they will receive a 3.5% pay rise and a £350 pro-rata payment.

A previous planned strike for 17-20 April was postponed for a pay consultation, and strike action planned for 3-6 May was suspended. That left the pay talks as the route to avoid disruption for the staff who work with passengers needing assistance through the airport and onto aircraft.

Unite and ABM response

Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: "By standing together and having a mandate for industrial action, workers at ABM have won themselves a better pay offer." Steve Edwards, regional officer at Unite, said: "These workers do a vital job at Stansted and we are glad the employer recognised this following extensive negotiations. Unite is very happy to have secured this deal for our members at ABM, which guarantees pay rises for two years."

An ABM spokesperson said: "We are pleased to have reached a resolution in collaboration with Unite that works in the best interests of our team members and the passengers we serve. We recognise the fantastic work our team does everyday and are delighted to be able to provide a pay increase which reflects the value of that work and recognises the current cost of living."

November 2025 pay rise

The deal sets the pay rises across two years, with the first increase backdated to November 2025 and the second year tied to a 3.5% rise plus the pro-rata payment. For the workers involved, the agreement replaces the risk of stoppages with a fixed settlement through the next two-year period.