UK's Heathrow Airport strikes cancelled after pay deal

HEATHROW Airport security workers on Friday (Jun 23) called off 31 days of strikes planned for this summer, a relief for those travelling through Britain’s busiest hub for their summer getaway.

More than 2,000 staff accepted an improved pay offer for a rise of between 15.5 per cent and 17.5 per cent, the Unite union said on Friday, and industrial action at the airport had been cancelled as a result.

Workers had already staged 18 days of strikes in recent months, and while airport bosses said it would be able to keep operations running smoothly despite walkouts over the summer, passengers are worried there could be a repeat of last year’s chaos.

In 2022, a faster-than-expected rebound in air travel for the peak season coupled with labour shortages caused long delays at several airports across Europe.

Heathrow, which was used by 6.7 million passengers in May, said it was pleased the dispute was over.

“We can now move forward together and focus on delivering an excellent summer for our passengers,” a spokesperson said.

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Britain continues to face strike action in other sectors. Teachers, railway workers and junior doctors are all due to strike in July. REUTERS