Heathrow Airport strikes: Will there be queues, why are there strikes, and will there be longer waits?

Ten days of strike action by security staff at Heathrow Airport begin today (March 31) after talks broke down over pay.

Despite negotiations continuing into yesterday evening, the Unite union announced no deal had been made, meaning action was due to take place.

The strikes will affect more than 1,400 workers in Terminal 5, with British Airways having already cancelled flights in preparation.

Here, we answer some key questions about the action.

Why are the strikes going ahead?

The Unite union, representing the security staff going on strike, said the walkouts are down to disagreements over pay.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Heathrow can afford to pay a decent pay rise to its workers. This is a wealthy company which is about to return to bumper profits.

“In recent years it’s approved an astronomical rise in salary for its CEO and paid out dividends to shareholders worth billions.

“Yet somehow Heathrow executives seem to think it’s acceptable to offer what amounts to a real terms pay cut to its security guards and ground staff who are already on poverty pay.

“Unite has a laser-like focus on our members’ jobs, pay and conditions. The workforce at Heathrow Airport will receive the union’s unswerving support in this fight for a decent deal.”

A Heathrow spokesperson said “the majority of colleagues do not support strike action”.

They added: “Following further talks, Unite has again refused to take an improved offer to members, despite the PCS union wanting to do so. Colleagues could have an above inflation 10% pay increase back-dated to January 1 and a lump sum payment of £1,150, but instead they’re left empty-handed by Unite’s actions. The only reason Unite refuse to take the improved offer to members is because they fear they’ll back it."

Will there be longer wait times at Heathrow?

While the strikes are only to involve security staff in Terminal 5, they are expected to impact wider services in the airport.

Unite regional coordinating officer Wayne King said the strike action “will undoubtedly result in severe delays and disruption to passengers across the airport but this dispute is a direct result of Heathrow Airport’s stubborn refusal to pay its workers fairly”.

Heathrow said in a statement that Easter is always a busy time for travel, so it may take a little longer to get through security than normal.

But a spokesperson for the airport said it “will not let these unnecessary strikes impact the hard-earned holidays of our passengers”.

They said contingency plans are in-place to “keep the airport operating as normal throughout”, with 1,000 additional colleagues being deployed during the strike period.

What should I do if I’m flying while the strikes are on?

While confirming it will be working to maintain normal operations, Heathrow did provide some travelling advice for those looking to fly.

In a statement, the airport said: “Passengers can help us ensure they get the best start to their journeys by checking their flight status with their airline before travelling to the airport, arriving at Heathrow no earlier than two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul flights, and by being ready for security with their compliant liquids and electronics out of their hand luggage.”

When will the Heathrow strikes end?

Starting on March 31, the Heathrow strike is due to last a total of 10 days, meaning it will end on Easter Sunday (April 9).