Holiday joy for travellers as strikes are called OFF at major UK airport

STRIKES have been called off at a major UK airport – meaning fewer disruptions for travellers this summer.

The Unite union said it has postponed its bid to ruin holidays with a strike at Heathrow involving 2,000 security workers after an improved pay offer.

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Last week, the labour union had said employees would go on a strike for 31 days over low pay starting from June 24.

Regional Unite boss Wayne King said: “Following extensive negotiations last week, a new offer was put forward by Heathrow Airports Ltd.

“Members will now be balloted on the latest offer and they will decide whether or not it meets their expectations.”

The union had previously said more than 2,000 of its members would undertake industrial action for 31 days from June 24.

Security officers based at Terminal 3 would have joined their colleagues from Terminal 5 and campus security who have previously gone on strike.

Aviation analytics company Cirium said 20,163 flights are scheduled to depart from Heathrow on the postponed strike days between June 24 and August 27, equating to more than 4.4 million seats.

Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye 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.”

During previous strikes, the airport’s contingency plans have included deploying office staff to assist passengers entering security checkpoints.

Last week, Mr Holland-Kaye urged Unite to put the airport’s latest proposal of a 10% pay increase and £1,150 lump sum to a vote of its members as “we know that most of our colleagues would accept the offer that we have on the table”.

Jo Rhodes, deputy editor of consumer magazine Which? Travel, said: “While it’s encouraging that Heathrow says it is putting contingency plans in place to minimise disruption during the forthcoming strikes, those with flights booked over this period are still likely to be concerned.

“It’s essential that the airport and airlines work together to keep travellers updated, and fulfil their legal obligations to passengers in the event of cancellations or delays.

“Travellers should also ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance from the date they book their trip and check the policy carefully.

“Not all will cover them in the event of strikes by airline or airport staff, for example.”