Heathrow Strikes Called Off After Increased Pay Deal

The long-running dispute between Heathrow and security staff has finally come to an end after staff accepted an improved pay deal. Security staff had been planning a further 31 days of strike action across the summer affecting Terminal 3 & Terminal 5 flights. Staff will receive an increase of between 15.5% and 17.5% depending on their pay grade. This means the Heathrow strikes that were planned across the summer will no longer take place.

How long have they been striking for?

Since Easter Heathrow Security Staff have carried out 18 days of strike action although a lot of the disruption has been minimized by using agency staff and airport management.

What is the increased pay deal that staff accepted to call off the Heathrow Strikes?

According to the Unite union, the deal comprises:

• a 10% increase to basic salary, shift pay and allowances backdated to January
• a further 1.5% pay increase from October 2023
• a guarantee of a 2024 rise in line with inflation, with a minimum rise of 4%
• adjustments to spot rates, salary ranges and formal pay progression which will see additional rises for some staff
• the end of a policy under which staff would be switched between terminals with no notice
• an improved maternity and paternity pay policy

Will there be any more strikes?

Thankfully it seems we’ve seen the last of the strikes at Heathrow for a while. No other Airports in the UK are currently set to be interrupted by any strike action either. So you should be able to enjoy your summer holiday!