Heathrow security staff calls off 1st summer strike, but we're not out of the woods yet
There could be light at the end of the tunnel yet for London's Heathrow Airport (LHR). Its security staff postponed the first of a series of strikes that would see the employees walk out almost every weekend this summer.
The change of plan comes following an improved pay offer from the airport. Unite, the union representing the staff planning to strike, said its members would vote on the pay deal in the coming days.
For now, this means that Heathrow will no longer be struck by a strike of its security workers on June 24 and 25.
The revised offer from the airport would see its security staff receive a 10% pay increase, backdated to Jan. 1, beginning in July. This would be followed by a further increase to 11.5% from October.
To combat inflation in 2024, Heathrow also promises a guaranteed inflation-linked pay increase of a minimum of 4%.
"We encourage them to accept the deal so that everyone can have certainty and the backdated pay increase that so many have been waiting for," a Heathrow spokesperson said.
As a gesture of goodwill following the offer, Unite has agreed to call off its first round of strikes.
Unite members will be balloted between June 13 and 23. Should the deal be rejected, the remaining planned strikes will go ahead.
Security officers had originally planned to strike during select days from June 24 to Aug. 27, affecting travel at Heathrow almost every weekend this summer.
The planned strikes will affect terminals 3 and 5; it's anticipated that they'll cause serious disruption for passengers arriving at and departing the airport, should they go ahead.
Strikes are currently still set for the following dates this summer:
- June: 28-30.
- July: 14-16, 21-24 and 28-31.
- August: 4-7, 11-14, 18-20 and 24-27.
The strike dates will span several key travel periods, including the start of U.K. school holidays, Eid al-Adha and the U.K. August bank holiday.
For those planning trips that include air travel through London, it's important to prepare for disruptions the strikes may cause.
Previous strikes only affected Heathrow's Terminal 5, thanks to contingency measures in place. Terminal 3 workers plan to join upcoming strikes, which could increase the possibility of long lines and potential flight cancellations.
No airlines have confirmed any flight cancellations, but the situation remains uncertain.
The strikes at Heathrow were prompted by a pay dispute between the airport and members of the Unite union. So far, during negotiations, workers have rejected a below-inflation pay increase of 10.1%, citing the higher inflation rate of 11.4%; they raised concerns that the U.K.'s current cost of living has outpaced their wages.
"This is an incredibly wealthy company, which this summer is anticipating bumper profits and an executive pay bonanza," Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said. "It's also expected to pay out huge dividends to shareholders, yet its workers can barely make ends meet and are paid far less than workers at other airports."
Heathrow officials have expressed their commitment to minimizing disruption during the strikes.
"Unite has already tried and failed to disrupt the airport with unnecessary strikes on some of our busiest days, and we continue to build our plans to protect journeys during any future action," an airport spokesperson said. "The simple fact remains that the majority of colleagues do not support Unite's strikes. There is a two-year inflation-beating pay rise ready for colleagues if only Unite would allow them to have a say."
Passengers affected by flight cancellations due to staff strikes may be entitled to compensation, provided they receive less than two weeks' notice of any disruption.
However, when flight cancellations occur due to strikes by airport staff, Border Force or air traffic control, they are often classified as extraordinary circumstances. In this instance, you should check your insurance package to see how you are covered.
In such cases, affected passengers are entitled to refunds or alternative flights, but compensation claims may not be applicable.
Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here's what you should do next
What to do if you're flying from Heathrow this summer
Check your flight before traveling
Opt in for updates with your airline in the week and days before you're due to fly. Flights can be canceled at short notice, but airlines will usually inform passengers as soon as possible via email, text or app.
If you're concerned about delays and cancellations on the day, Twitter can often provide great insight into what's happening on the ground. It might not speed things up, but it can help you mentally prepare.
Travel from a different airport
If you haven't booked your flights yet, try to avoid Heathrow around these dates. Other London alternatives are London Gatwick Airport (LGW), London Stansted Airport (STN), London Luton Airport (LTN) and London City Airport (LCY).
Give yourself plenty of time
Anticipate long lines on these dates and give yourself enough time to check in and get through security. However, don't turn up too early, as this can increase overcrowding. If you're flying long-haul, give yourself three to four hours of headway.
Prepare for security
With long wait times expected during strike days, you can help things run smoother if you're prepared for security checkpoints in advance. Be ready to remove laptops and other electrical items from your carry-on bags and remove any liquids over 3.4 ounces. Also, pack your toiletries and liquids in a clear plastic bag. Don't be the one person holding everything up during an already tense time.
Bottom line
The summer strikes by security staff at Heathrow may pose a challenge for those traveling during this period if they go ahead. The new pay deal and postponement of the first planned strikes is a great step forward.
However, with the potential for long lines at security checkpoints and flight cancellations, passengers are advised to stay informed about the strikes and make necessary arrangements accordingly.
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