London, England (CNN) -- Union members Tuesday hailed an agreement that averted a British airport strike, saying it will "set the standard" for pay deals in the industry.
British airport operator BAA reached a settlement late Monday with the Unite union, which represents the operator's employees. The settlement averted a threatened strike by Unite workers in a dispute over pay.
Under the agreement, BAA is offering a 2 percent increase on basic pay and allowances effective from January 1, 2010, and a guaranteed lump sum of 500 pounds ($781).
Unite said it is recommending the offer to its members, who must still vote to approve the deal.
"This offer is double what BAA had originally offered, with no strings attached," Unite national officers Brian Boyd and Brendan Gold said in a joint statement. "The negotiations were tough, but Unite has delivered a fair offer for BAA staff".
Six major British airports, including London's Heathrow, were in danger of being shut down amid the possible strikes. CNN
