Heathrow refuelling strikes off after Unite secures ‘fantastic’ pay deal

AFS workers receive 12.5% rise, increase in weekend overtime rates plus £2,500 bonus

The workers are employed by Aviation Fuel Services (AFS), which is responsible for refuelling half of the non-British Airways traffic at Heathrow airport. This includes airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, United, Singapore, KLM, American, Emirates, Air France and Delta.

The 12.5 per cent increase means that the workers’ basic annual salary will rise by £4,939.21. Along with the increase to the weekend overtime rate, the percentage pay rise will be backdated to April.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “By standing together and refusing to back down, our members at AFS achieved a fantastic pay deal. This is yet another example of how Unite’s relentless focus on improving our members’ jobs, pay and conditions reaps rewards.”

Unite regional officer Kevin Hall said: “This deal would not have been achieved without the hard work of Unite’s brilliant AFS reps. Their hard work and determination really paid off. Results like this are exactly why those looking to secure a better deal at work should join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”