London, England (CNN) -- The immediate threat of strikes at Britain's main airports was averted late Monday after a preliminary settlement was reached by British airport operator BAA and the union that represents the operator's employees, according to airport and union officials.
The two sides have been locked in a dispute over pay and the Unite union voted Thursday to strike. A seven-day notice is required before a strike can begin.
Six major British airports, including London's Heathrow, were in danger of being shut down amid the possible strikes.
"We are very pleased to be able to reassure the traveling public that we for our side have worked tirelessly to achieve a settlement," said Brendan Gold, the national secretary for the BAA's union, Unite.
Details of the agreement are expected to be released Tuesday, Gold said. CNN
