There will be ‘major disruption’ at Britain’s busiest airport, Heathrow, today Friday 18 November due to 350 ground handlers starting a three-day strike in protest at their pay.
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Ground handlers set to strike
Unite union said Thursday 17 November that the 350 union members work for private aviation contractor Menzies. According to a press release, they started their 72-hour strike at 4.00 a.m. local time today.
Sharon Graham, the union’s general secretary, said:
Menzies is a wealthy company and it can fully afford to pay its workers a decent pay increase.
She explained that Menzies had made pay offers below Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation. Kevin Hall, Unite's regional officer, added:
This dispute is entirely of Menzies’ own making. It has had every opportunity to make our members a fair pay offer, but it has stubbornly refused to do so.
Good morning from Heathrow. We're here to give you all the assistance you need with your journey at the airport and help with any questions.
— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) November 18, 2022
In the meantime, check out our website for information to help you prepare for your flight. https://t.co/T0sS5eAJsPpic.twitter.com/h9tBAOU6xj
Are you affected?
The press release said the strike at Heathrow airport would 'lead to disruption, delays and cancellation for flights leaving Heathrow Terminals 2, 3 and 4.'
It added that airlines especially impacted by the action are: American Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Qantas, Swiss Air, TAP Air Portugal, Austrian Airlines, Egyptair, Aer Lingus and Finnair.
Unite had previously warned that people travelling to Qatar for the World Cup would be 'particularly affected,' however planned action by another ground handling company, Dnata, and by other Menzies staff working in cargo, has since been cancelled.
A spokesman for Heathrow Airport said:
Affected airlines already have contingency matters in place and flight cancellations are not anticipated. We encourage passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline.
The strike is due to conclude at 4am on Monday 21 November.
Sources used:
CNN: 'London's Heathrow Airport faces 'major disruption' as ground handlers prepare to strike'
Telegraph: 'Heathrow Airport ground handlers begin three-day strike over pay'
Independent: 'Heathrow strike: Everything you need to know as airport ground handling walkout begins'
