The prospect of disruption for Heathrow passengers was removed this week after last-minute talks that put the management in the hands of an outside agent on Wednesday , after planned strikes by hundreds of workers were called off.
Almost 800 members of the union had been set to walk out between May 7 and May 13 but strikes due to take place on May 7-8 were called off following discussions between Unite and the airport. The remaining days of strike action from today have now also been suspended.
Airport workers were to walk out over the outsourcing of hundreds of jobs to subcontractors that the union feared would lead to a decline in contractual terms and conditions. However, Unite is to ballot its members at Heathrow over a new offer following two days of talks.
“While the ballot takes place, as a goodwill gesture, Unite has suspended all remaining strike action. Two days of strikes had already been called off this week to allow for talks to take place. Talks have progressed well over the last two days and we will now be balloting our members on a new offer. As a goodwill gesture, we will be suspending the remaining strike action this week while our members are consulted.” said the union.
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “Unite has suspended more strike dates after we repeated our assurances that we have no further planned changes to operational teams. The changes announced earlier this year will continue as planned and those colleagues are being supported through the process, with a guaranteed job at Heathrow. While Unite has recommended its members accept these assurances and end the dispute, passengers can be assured we will keep schedules operating as normal if strikes were to return.”
