World Cup Heathrow strike: Hundreds of airport workers to walkout in run up to Qatar 2022 World Cup

Hundreds of workers at Heathrow Airport are set for strike action in the run-up to the World Cup, a union has said.

Around 700 Unite members who work in the ground handling, airside transport and cargo side of the airport will stage a three day walkout beginning on Friday November 18.

Unite has warned that the walkouts could impact football fans travelling to the World Cup in Qatar which starts on November 20.

The union said it expected Qatar Airways, which has put on extra flights for football fans, to be "hit heavily" by the strike action.

It said the strike action would cause disruption and delays at Heathrow terminals 2, 3 and 4.

The strike action involves workers employed by Dnata and Menzies who are demanding better pay.

Unite said both companies, which are contractors to airlines, had offered pay cuts when compared to the rate of inflation.

Dnata had offered its workers a 5% increase, the union said, while the offers for Menzies workers varied between 2% and 6%.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members at Dnata and Menzies undertake highly challenging roles and are simply seeking a decent pay rise.

“Both companies are highly profitable and can fully afford to make a fair pay increase.

“The owners and directors are simply lining their own pockets rather than paying their workers fairly.

“The workers at Heathrow will have Unite’s complete support during this dispute.”

Other airlines that will be hit heavily by the strike action include Virgin, Singapore Airlines, Cathay-Pacific and Emirates.

Passengers returning to the United States for the Thanksgiving holiday have also been warned of disruptions.

Unite regional officer Kevin Hall said: “Strike action will inevitably cause disruption, delays and cancellations to flights throughout Heathrow, with travellers to the World Cup particularly affected.

“However, this dispute is entirely of Dnata and Menzies own making.

“They have had every opportunity to make a fair pay offer but have chosen not to do so.”

A Heathrow spokesperson said: "We are aware of proposed industrial action from Dnata and Menzies colleagues at Heathrow, and we are in discussions with our airline partners on what contingency plans they can implement to support their ground handling should the strike go ahead.

"Our priority is to ensure passengers are not disrupted by airline ground handler shortages."