Heathrow strikes: Bank holiday weekends to be hit by further action

Security staff at Heathrow Airport are to strike for a further eight days in May, after negotiations over pay again broke down.

The airport has already been hit by 10 days of industrial action organised from March 31 to April 9, Easter Sunday, due to an ongoing dispute between Unite and Heathrow.

The 1,400 security officers who are part of the union will now strike for an additional eight days, potentially affecting two upcoming bank holidays.

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: “Strikes next month will cause further disruption to airport passengers but this dispute is a direct result of Heathrow’s stubborn refusal to make an offer that meets our members’ expectations.

“Our members have been crystal clear they are seeking a substantial permanent increase in pay. A small one off lump sum payment will not alleviate the financial pressures our members are facing on a daily basis.

“While the CEO can enjoy a lavish millionaire’s lifestyle, our members struggle to pay the bills and put food on the table. This is about need not greed.”

A survey conducted by Unite among security officers at Heathrow previously suggested there could be a “shock exodus” of staff, with almost half responding saying they are unsure whether they will continue working at the airport.

When are the Heathrow strike dates?

The new strike dates are split to cover part of the start and the end of May.

The first five dates will be May 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10, and the latter dates will be May 25, 26 and 27.

The dates are likely to impact services leading up to two bank holidays; the day given following the coronation of King Charles III on May 8, and the spring bank holiday, on May 29.

Heathrow’s response

A Heathrow spokesperson said: “We kept Heathrow running smoothly during the first 10 days of Unite’s failed industrial action, and passengers can have confidence that we will do so again this time. We will not let Unite disrupt the flow of visitors to the UK during such an important period for the country.

“Instead of chasing headlines, Unite should listen to its members. The majority of Heathrow colleagues do not want to strike and want to accept the offer on the table. Each day that Unite refuses to allow members to vote on the 10% pay increase and a £1,150 lump sum payment is a day that costs colleagues money they deserve now.”