Chaos at Heathrow averted as ground handlers suspend 72-hour strike
Chaos at Heathrow has been averted as ground handlers u-turned and called off a 72-hour strike following an eleventh-hour deal.
Members of the union Unite working for aviation firm Menzies have decided to call off tomorrow’s walkout after receiving an improved pay offer.
“As an act of goodwill, the strike action scheduled to begin tomorrow has been suspended so that members can be balloted on the new offer,” said Unite’s regional officer Kevin Hall.
Menzies’ executive vice-president for Europe Miguel Gomez Sjunnesson said he hope the revised offer will be accepted so that the company can focus on “delivering the best service during this busy holiday period.”
The industrial action could nevertheless continue later this month, as staff are still set to down tools between 29 December and 1 January if an agreement is not reached.
This will coincide with the Border Force walkout, which will take place between 23 and 26 as well as 28 and 31 December.
Heathrow declined to comment.