Heathrow Airport strikes: 31 days of action called off as workers accept improved pay deal

A summer of strike action at Heathrow has been called off at the last minute, as more than 2,000 security officers voted to accept an improved pay offer from the airport.

Security staff in terminals three, five and campus security were preparing to strike for 31 days between June 24 and August 27.

The walkouts were due to coincide with busy times for travel, including the Eid-al-Adha festival (June 28, 29 and 30), the beginning of the school holidays (July 21, 22, 23 and 24) and the August bank holiday (24, 25, 26 and 27).

The union involved, Unite, had previously described the move as a “major escalation” in its ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.

Just a day before the action was due to begin, Unite has however announced its members have voted to accept an improved deal which will increase their pay 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.”

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.”

Under the new deal, workers will receive a package of pay increases as well as other additional benefits.

A 10% increase to all basic salary, shift pay and allowances will be introduced from January, with a further 1.5% increase from October 2023.

An increase in-line with inflation for 2024, at a minimum of 4%, will also be implemented, as will benefits including improvements to maternity pay and higher paternity pay.

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: “The solidarity and dedication of Unite’s reps and members was fundamental in ensuring HAL returned to the negotiating table with an improved offer.”

The dispute had been ongoing since Easter, when workers went on-strike for 18 days.