Heathrow security workers call off first summer strikes
A plane taking off from Heathrow
/ PA Wireecurity workers at Heathrow airport have called off the first two days of planned strike action this summer after receiving an improved pay offer.
More than 2,000 staff said they will postpone industrial action on 24 and 25 June.
However, members of the Unite union will go ahead with a remaining 29 days of strikes over the summer if a deal with Heathrow management cannot be reached.
Security officers at Terminal 3 are still set to join colleagues from Terminal 5, where British Airways operates, on picket lines for the first time on June 28.
Affected days include the Eid festival on 28, 29 and 30 June, the start of the school holidays and the August bank holiday weekend.
A Unite spokesperson said: “The strikes over pay were due to have resulted in security officers at terminal three and five as well as campus security workers (who check all workers and vehicles entering the airport) walking out on Saturday June 24 and Sunday June 25.
“Following extensive talks with the workers’ union Unite last week, an improved pay offer was made by HAL (Heathrow Airports Ltd) and, as a gesture of goodwill by the union, the initial strikes were called off.”
Wayne King, regional co-ordinating officer for Unite, added: “Following extensive negotiations last week a new offer was put forward by HAL.
“Members will now be balloted on the latest offer and they will decide whether or not it meets their expectations.”
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have agreed a pay deal which unions are recommending their members to accept.
“This a great deal for colleagues, giving them two years of guaranteed above inflation pay rises, alongside further benefits and assurances that they told us they wanted.
“We encourage them to accept the deal so that everyone can have certainty and the backdated pay increase that so many have been waiting for.
“While a ballot takes place, the first weekend of strikes has been cancelled.”
Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye says he does not anticipate the strikes causing flight cancellations.
He said: “We have delivered excellent service to passengers, with no cancellations, over eight days of strikes on the busiest days in May, and do not anticipate cancellations as a result of strikes during the summer holiday getaway.”
A BA spokesperson said the airline was “working closely with Heathrow airport to ensure robust contingency plans”.
The strike dates called are 28-30 June, along with 14-16, 21-24, and 28-31 July and 4-7, 11-14, 18-20 and 24-27 August also affected.