Heathrow Airport strikes suspended by Unite union

Strikes by around 800 workers at London’s Heathrow Airport that were scheduled to take place from 7 May to 13 May have been called off.

The first two days of action had already been aborted by members of the Unite union, with the remaining strike action also now cancelled following assurances from airport authorities.

The dispute centred around Heathrow’s plans to outsource workers in passenger services, campus security and trolley operations.

A spokesperson for the airport said: “Unite has suspended more strike dates after we repeated our assurances that we have no further planned changes to operational teams.”

They continued: “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.”

Unite’s Wayne King said: “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.”

When originally announcing the industrial action, Unite had warned the week-long strike would “cause widespread disruption”. In a statement the union said the airport had refused to enter into negotiations about alternatives to the outsourcing decision, which Unite said would lead to “a substantial reduction in the number of workers” and raises “serious security concerns”.