Heathrow Strikes: Christmas walkouts to go ahead after pay talks fail

Unite confirms two 72-hour stoppages starting Friday 16 December after members reject ‘miserable’ pay offer
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Strikes planned by workers at Heathrow in the run up to Christmas will go ahead, union leaders said, with further dates announced.

Unite says the action will go ahead after workers rejected the latest “miserable” pay offer from their employer Menzies.

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Around 400 ground handlers will take part in a 72-hour strike beginning at 4am on Friday December 16.

A further 72-hour strike is planned, beginning on Thursday December 29 and ending at 3:59am on Sunday January 1.

Travellers face disruption at Heathrow Airport in December due to strikes (Photo: Getty Images)Travellers face disruption at Heathrow Airport in December due to strikes (Photo: Getty Images)
Travellers face disruption at Heathrow Airport in December due to strikes (Photo: Getty Images)

The strikes will affect flights operated by 10 major airlines from Heathrow Terminals 2, 3 and 4.

Airlines that are likely to be affected are Air Canada, American Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Air Portugal, Austrian Airlines, Qantas, Egypt Air, Aer Lingus and Finnair.

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The post-Christmas stoppage will also coincide with the planned strike by Border Force Staff, Unite said.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a classic case of an employer that can fully afford to pay workers a fair pay increase but has chosen not to.

“Menzies needs to stop making excuses and make a pay offer that meets our members’ expectations.”

A Heathrow spokesperson said: “The vast majority of passengers will not be affected by this weekend’s planned strike from Menzies ground handling staff.

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“We have not been informed of any flight cancellations as a direct result of this action and encourage passengers due to fly with the small number of affected airlines to check with their airline directly for the latest information.”

Menzies Aviation said it was extremely disappointed by Unite rejecting its “extremely competitive” offer, pointing out that the GMB union had accepted it.

A spokesperson said: “We are well prepared for industrial action and have been working closely with key partners to put in place robust contingency plans.

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