BAGGAGE handlers and check-in staff at Stansted Airport and drivers on the Gatwick Express have called off strikes planned for the Bank Holiday weekend.

The Transport and General Workers' Union and GMB called off the Stansted strike after accepting an improved pay offer.

The dispute was between workers and the airport's ground handling agent, Swissport.

GMB said the industrial action was suspended pending a ballot of 500 workers over the new offer of an 11% pay rise over two years.

GMB organiser Gary Pearce said: "GMB is recommending that our members accept the new pay offer which came out of three days of hard negotiations.

"Swissport have done the right thing in making this offer and I think GMB members will recognise that."

Last week, GMB said the action would severely disrupt Ryanair, easyJet and charter flights out of Stansted.

Meanwhile, drivers on the non-stop rail link from London to Gatwick Airport announced they're proposed strike over the Bank Holiday weekend was also off.

A Gatwick Express spokesman said planned strikes on August 25 and 29 and September 8 had been suspended while a new pay offer was considered.

Gatwick Express managing director Peter Cotton said: "We are glad that further discussions with ASLEF are taking place and are optimistic that an agreement can be reached without any strikes being held.

"Gatwick Express can now focus on delivering its award winning customer service to travellers using Gatwick Express this Bank Holiday weekend."