Heathrow strikes: Ground handlers walkouts suspended following last minute pay talks

Strike action that was due to take place on Friday at Heathrow airport involving ground handlers has been suspended following last ditch peace talks.

Around 400 workers employed by Menzies were set to walkout for 72 hours on December 16 but during talks on Thursday, the company made an improved pay offer.

Unite will now ballot its members on the revised pay offer.

Unite regional officer Kevin Hall said: “Unite has been adamant that Menzies was able to offer an improved pay offer and that has proved to be the case.

“As an act of goodwill, the strike action scheduled to begin tomorrow has been suspended so that members can be balloted on the new offer.”

Strike action scheduled to begin on Thursday December 29 remains in place pending the outcome of the ballot of members.

A spokesperson for Menzies said: “We are pleased to announce that following a positive meeting today, Unite have postponed the strikes that were planned for this weekend to allow them to take a revised pay offer to their members.

“We are hopeful that this revised offer will be accepted allowing us to give our employees their well-deserved pay increase and we can focus on delivering the best service during this busy holiday period.”