Trains and subways are not the only transport strikes who have caused disruption in the UK – such as workers at Heathrow Airport has now also gone on strike.
The union action, carried out by Unite the Union, will encounter security guards Heathrow Terminal Five is taking action that could affect those trying to get away for the start of the school holidays and Easter weekend.
Unite accuses Heathrow Airport Ltd (HAL) of offering its employees pay cuts on fair terms because of inflation.
The stoppages will last for a few more days, but when will the strikes end and are there more planned?
If you’ve booked a flight at Terminal Five, here’s what you need to know…
When will the strikes end at Heathrow Airport?
The strikes at Heathrow Airport will last 10 days.
They end at 11:59 PM on Easter Sunday, April 9.
About 1,400 members of the Unite union have withdrawn from the dispute, including security officers who work for British Airways – who use Terminal Five exclusively – and those responsible for checking all cargo arriving at the airport.
The union has warned passengers to expect flight disruption during this time.
Wayne King, Unite’s regional coordinating officer, said: ‘Strike action will cause huge disruptions and delays at Heathrow over Easter, but this dispute has been caused entirely by HAL. It has had every opportunity to make a fair wage offer, but failed to do so. ‘
Heathrow has said it has brought on an additional 1,000 employees to minimize this.
The airport has issued advice to passengers traveling during this period, and those who have booked flights are advised to do the following:
- Check your flight details and status with your airline before traveling to the airport
- Arrive no earlier than two hours for short-haul flights and three hours for long-haul flights
- Make sure your hand luggage is safe – liquids in a separate, sealed transparent bag (max size 100 ml), remove large electrical appliances and place them in a separate container
Will there be more strikes at Heathrow?
No other strike dates have been announced at this time, but with the dispute unresolved, more may follow.
The Unite Union is accusing Heathrow Airport Ltd of what it describes as ‘brutal attacks on wages and working conditions’ in the year 2020, which ‘exposed even more its employees to the impact of the cost of living crisis’.
Sharon Graham, Secretary General of Unite, said: ‘Workers at Heathrow Airport are paid meager wages, while the CEO and senior managers enjoy huge salaries. It is the airport’s employees who are fundamental to its success and they deserve a fair wage increase.
“Our members simply can’t make ends meet because of Heathrow’s low wages. They are forced to strike out of greed.
“Unite has a laser-like focus on prioritizing the jobs, wages and benefits of its members and HAL should have no doubt that airport workers will receive the unwavering support of the union.”
MORE : Rail strikes planned for March and April called off
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