A last-ditch attempt at averting strike action at Stansted Airport was being made yesterday afternoon.

Some 230 Servisair check-in staff, dispatch workers and clerical staff who are members of the GMB union have already rejected a 2.4 per cent pay offer and have voted to strike three to one in a ballot.

The company has asked Ed Blissett, GMB regional industrial officer, to the meeting this afternoon.

He said: "We hope we will make real progress towards settling this matter amicably and avoid disrupting the travelling public."

He was hoping Servisair would make an offer in line with the union's request for a 3.5 per cent increase this year and £500 back-dated payment to January 1.

Servisair spokesman Tony Brunskill said discussions were ongoing and he was confident of an agreement that would avoid the need for industrial action.

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