In travel news for May 23rd , 2023 we talk about more strikes are coming to London Heathrow Airport.
Heathrow Airport authorities have reassured passengers that there will be no flight cancellations due to the planned security staff Strike in late May, which coincides with the school half term. Despite the industrial action scheduled from May 25-27, the London-based airport is adamant that operations will proceed without disruption.
In a contentious scenario, Heathrow has appealed to the Unite union to accept a proposed 10% pay increase, denouncing the Strike as "completely unnecessary". Chief Executive John Holland-Kaye emphasized that previous strike actions, including 15 days over the Easter peak and coronation weekends, had no impact on the airport's smooth operation.
Holland-Kaye went on to assure passengers that there was no need for concern regarding the upcoming Strike. He noted that previous industrial actions went unnoticed by passengers, who continued to receive the high standard of service they expect from Heathrow. He further accused the Unite union of preventing workers from voting on the pay offer, thereby delaying a substantial increase that could benefit employees.
Since January, Heathrow has proposed a 10% pay increase, which has since been augmented with a £1,150 lump sum and an inflation-linked increase guaranteed for 2024. However, this offer has been met with resistance from the Unite union.
In response, Unite argued that the average pay for Heathrow workers has fallen in real terms by 24% since 2017, and that security officers are paid less than their counterparts at other major airports in London and the southeast. Unite regional coordinating officer Wayne King stated that security officers at Heathrow being paid less than comparable officers at other London airports was indefensible. He insisted that as a premium UK airport, Heathrow should not be offering low wages and that it should accommodate a cost of living increase for workers.
As the conflict between Heathrow and the Unite union continues, travelers are urged to stay informed about the situation. Despite the Strike, the airport remains committed to maintaining its operations and providing passengers with uninterrupted services, ensuring that the school half term period remains a prime time for family travel.
