Heathrow airport summer security strikes called off

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The threat of frequent strikes by security staff at Heathrow this summer has been averted, with workers accepting an improved pay deal in a ballot. The union’s regional co-ordinating officer, Wayne King, said: “The solidarity and dedication of Unite’s reps and members was fundamental in ensuring HAL returned to the negotiating table with an improved offer.” Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: “This was a hard-won victory which demonstrates what can be achieved when workers stand together and take action together.” The deal is worth 15.5 per cent, comprising a 10 per cent rise backdated to 1 January in the next pay round, an extra 1.5 per cent from October and an increase in line with inflation for 2024 with a minimum of four per cent. A Heathrow spokesperson said: “We are pleased to confirm Unite members have voted to accept a two-year above-inflation pay deal, ending the current dispute and allowing the strikes to be called off. “We can now move forward together and focus on delivering an excellent summer for our passengers.” In the first round of strikes, which ran from 31 March to Easter Sunday, hundreds of British Airways flights were cancelled to reduce the pressure on the security checkpoints at Heathrow Terminal 5.