First summer Heathrow airport strike postponed as workers ballot on improved offer

The first summer strikes at Heathrow Airport, involving over 2,000 security officers, have been postponed following Heathrow Airports Ltd (HAL) making an improved pay offer.

The strikes over pay were due to have resulted in security officers at Terminal Three and Five as well as campus security workers (who check all workers and vehicles entering the airport) walking out on Saturday 24 June and Sunday 25 June.

Following extensive talks with the workers’ union Unite last week, an improved pay offer was made by HAL and, as a gesture of goodwill by the union, the initial strikes were called off.

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: “Following extensive negotiations last week a new offer was put forward by HAL. Members will now be balloted on the latest offer and they will decide whether or not it meets their expectations.”

If the latest offer is rejected by members then the remaining 29 days of strike action spread across the summer, beginning before the end of this month, will go ahead as planned.