Heathrow strike called off but August action is still planned
A STRIKE that would have seen more than 4,000 workers down tools at Heathrow was called off while a new pay offer is considered.
The strike was due to take place on Friday and Saturday, likely causing huge disruption to departing holidaymakers.
Unite – Britain and Ireland’s largest union – has said it would not be revealing the details of the offer until its members involved in the pay dispute had an opportunity to consider and vote on the new package.
The statement said the strikes already announced for August 5 and 6 and August 23 and 24 remained on the table until the result of the ballot was known.
The union said: “Unite won’t be commenting further until the ballot result is declared.”
A Heathrow spokesperson said last week: “We are pleased that Unite have decided to put our offer to our colleagues and to pause industrial action on July 26 and 27.
“We welcome this outcome, as will thousands of passengers, whose holidays will now go to plan this weekend.
Heathrow said the proposed deal provided significantly above inflation pay rises.
“We believe this offer is rewarding and importantly gives our colleagues long-term wage certainty and job security.”
“Passengers are advised to keep in touch with their airlines for the latest information on their flight and follow our Twitter and Facebook accounts for further updates.”
According to Heathrow, the offer ensures frontline staff will receive a 7.3% pay increase over two-and-ahalf years.