MORE than 2,000 Manchester Airport workers are set to pocket a massive inflation-busting pay rise, their union Unite announced today.

The deal will see firefighters, security guards, engineering staff, airfield operations, traffic marshals and car parking workers get up to 17 per cent, plus a one-off payment worth up to 9.6 per cent over the next two years.

The package, which was secured without the need for a strike ballot, also includes a further five years of protection for staff already in the defined benefit pension scheme.

Additionally, workers on the national minimum wage will also benefit after the union won a 4 per cent increase to the employers’ pension contributions over two years alongside salary increases.

General secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s relentless focus on the workplace continues to put more money in workers’ pockets.

“It’s more proof that Unite is delivering on its promise to fight for jobs, pay and conditions.”

The union’s regional officer John O’Neill hailed the “excellent” outcome.