Reuters
Fri, 23 June 2023
A British Airways aircraft takes off over terminal 4 at Heathrow Airport near London
LONDON (Reuters) - Heathrow Airport security workers on Friday called off 31 days of strikes planned for this summer, a relief for those travelling through Britain's busiest hub for their summer getaway.
Over 2,000 staff accepted an improved pay offer for a rise of between 15.5% and 17.5% the Unite union said on Friday and industrial action at the airport had been cancelled as a result.
Workers had already staged 18 days of strikes in recent months, and while airport bosses had guided it would be able to keep operations running smoothly despite walkouts over the summer, passengers worried there could be a repeat of last year's chaos.
In 2022, a faster-than-expected rebound in air travel for the peak season coupled with labour shortages caused long delays at several airports across Europe.
Heathrow, which was used by 6.7 million passengers in May, said it was pleased the dispute was over.
"We can now move forward together and focus on delivering an excellent summer for our passengers," a spokesperson said.
Britain continues to face strike action in other sectors. Teachers, railway workers and junior doctors are all due to strike in July.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by William James)
Heathrow Airport security officers dispute ends with new pay deal
Alan Jones, PA Industrial Correspondent
Fri, 23 June 2023
A long-running dispute involving security officers at Heathrow Airport has ended after workers voted to accept an improved pay offer.
More than 2,000 security officers at Heathrow Terminals 3 and 5 and campus security were due to take 31 days of strike action throughout the summer, but talks resumed which Unite said led to an improved pay offer.
The union said workers will receive an increase of between 15.5% and 17.5%.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was a hard won victory which demonstrates what can be achieved when workers stand together and take action together
“The pay deal at Heathrow is a further demonstration of how Unite’s complete focus on jobs, pay and conditions is having direct benefits for its members.”
The dispute started before Easter, with Unite members taking a total of 18 days of industrial action.
Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: “The solidarity and dedication of Unite’s reps and members was fundamental in ensuring Heathrow Airport returned to the negotiating table with an improved offer.”
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “We are pleased to confirm Unite members have voted to accept a two-year above-inflation pay deal, ending the current dispute and allowing the strikes to be called off.
“We can now move forward together and focus on delivering an excellent summer for our passengers.”
Alan Jones, PA Industrial Correspondent
Fri, 23 June 2023
A long-running dispute involving security officers at Heathrow Airport has ended after workers voted to accept an improved pay offer.
More than 2,000 security officers at Heathrow Terminals 3 and 5 and campus security were due to take 31 days of strike action throughout the summer, but talks resumed which Unite said led to an improved pay offer.
The union said workers will receive an increase of between 15.5% and 17.5%.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was a hard won victory which demonstrates what can be achieved when workers stand together and take action together
“The pay deal at Heathrow is a further demonstration of how Unite’s complete focus on jobs, pay and conditions is having direct benefits for its members.”
The dispute started before Easter, with Unite members taking a total of 18 days of industrial action.
Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: “The solidarity and dedication of Unite’s reps and members was fundamental in ensuring Heathrow Airport returned to the negotiating table with an improved offer.”
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “We are pleased to confirm Unite members have voted to accept a two-year above-inflation pay deal, ending the current dispute and allowing the strikes to be called off.
“We can now move forward together and focus on delivering an excellent summer for our passengers.”
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