Heathrow strikes cancelled as security staff accept pay deal

Heathrow has confirmed 29 days of strike action have been called off after security officers accepted an improved pay offer.

More than 2,000 workers, based at Terminal Three, Terminal Five and campus security, were due to take action over the summer until August 27.

But trade union Unite said its members have accepted a pay rise of between 15.5% and 17.5% depending on their pay banding position.

More: Union confirms 31 dates for Heathrow security staff strikes

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.”

Unite had planned a 31-day walkout after its members rejected a “below inflation” pay offer of 10.1%, with the union warning of disruption for airlines including Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Qatar, United, American, Delta and British Airways.

But following the announcement of action, Heathrow Airport Limited (Hal) returned to negotiations and made an improved offer, Unite said. Walkouts on June 24 and June 25 were postponed while the workers considered the deal.

The union said the accepted package includes a 10% increase to all basic salary, shift pay and allowances from January, a further 1.5% increase from October 2023 and an increase in line with inflation for 2024 (a minimum of 4%).

The offer is also said to include improvements in maternity and paternity pay, as well as the end of direct deployment (when workers can be switched between terminals without warning) and a pledge to remove agency workers from security roles.

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 pay deal at Heathrow is a further demonstration of how Unite’s complete focus on jobs, pay and conditions is having direct benefits for its members.”

Unite regional coordinating 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.”

A Heathrow spokesperson added: “We can now move forward together and focus on delivering an excellent summer for our passengers.”

During the dispute, which began at Easter, the workers took 18 days of industrial action.