3 April 2012 Last updated at 12:15 ET

Easter Stansted Airport baggage handlers' strike called off

Baggage handlers at Stansted Airport in Essex have cancelled planned strike action over Easter.

Union members had backed a three-day strike between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

But the GMB union has announced the strike has been called off following talks.

The 150 baggage handlers employed by Swissport Stansted claimed shift changes could cut their pay by up to £1,000.

Swissport, along with the GMB and Unite unions, released a joint statement following talks in London.

It said: "We are pleased passengers and families travelling over the Easter weekend will no longer face potential disruption.

'Ends uncertainty'

"We will continue our talks in an attempt to reach a joint consensus that ensures we understand our commercial challenges and balance the need for the work-life balance of our employees."

Further talks will be held later this month.

A Stansted Airport spokesman said: "We had been told by Swissport that contingency plans were in place to cover any strikes.

"We were confident it would not have had an impact. If this announcement ends any uncertainty over the Easter period, that's obviously good news."

Swissport handles the baggage for five airlines operating from Stansted. About 20 airlines fly from the airport.