Heathrow strikes end as workers accept improved pay deal

Workers to receive between 15.5 and 17.5 per cent increase

Threat of massive summer strikes withdrawn

The long-running industrial action over pay involving security officers at Heathrow Airport, has ended after workers voted to accept an improved pay offer.

Over 2,000 security officers at Heathrow Terminal 3, 5 and Campus Security (who are responsible for checking all airside workers and vehicles) were due to take 31 days of strike action throughout the summer, however following the announcement of industrial action their employer Heathrow Airport Limited returned to negotiations and made an improved offer. Members were balloted on the new offer and accepted it.

Under the terms of the deal workers will receive an increase of between 15.5 and 17.5 per cent depending on their pay banding position.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was a hard won victory which demonstrates what can be achieved when workers stand together and take action together

“The pay deal at Heathrow is a further demonstration of how Unite’s complete focus on jobs, pay and conditions is having direct benefits for its members.”

Under the deal the workers will receive:
A 10 per cent increase to all basic salary, shift pay and allowances from January
A further 1.5 per cent pay increase from October 2023
Spot rates, salary ranges and formal pay progression will increase when the pay increase is implementated
An increase in line with inflation for 2024 (a minimum of four per cent)
The end of direct deployment (when workers can be switched between terminals without warning)
The acceptance of the removal of agency workers from security roles, “as soon as we can”
Improvement in maternity pay
Increase in paternity pay.

During the dispute which began at Easter the workers took a total of 18 days of industrial action.

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: “The solidarity and dedication of Unite’s reps and members was fundamental in ensuring HAL returned to the negotiating table with an improved offer.