Unite union members, employed by ICTS at Gatwick to scan baggage for explosives and other prohibited items, last week voted 95% in favour of strike action.

An initial 48-hour walkout was called for 10-11 August before Unite on Tuesday (6 August) announced a further four-day walkout due to be held over 20-24 August.

It came after Unite claimed ICTS had threatened Gatwick staff with disciplinary action “up to and including dismissal” should they choose to strike.

However, after what Unite described as “extremely productive pay talks” on Wednesday (7 August), ICTS has come back with a “dramatically improved” pay offer.

Unite will now ballot its 130 ICTS members at Gatwick on the new offer. Its strikes over 10-11 August and 20-24 August have been suspended pending the outcome of the ballot.

Regional officer Jamie Major said: “Today’s [Wednesday’s] pay talks were extremely productive and the new pay offer will be balloted on by members.

“The commitment by ICTS to become a real living wage employer is welcome and Unite will be applying pressure to other Gatwick employers to follow suit.

“Following this pay offer, it is hoped that there will be more harmonious industrial relations with ICTS moving forward.”

An ICTS spokesperson said: “We are pleased Unite have agreed to recommend this offer to our colleagues and to suspend the industrial action planned for 10-11 August and 20-24 August.

“We welcome this outcome, as will the thousands of passengers whose holidays will now go to plan this weekend and later this month.

“We believe this offer to be not only rewarding but importantly gives our colleagues long-term wage certainty and job security.”