Unite has brokered an agreement with Heathrow Airport (HAL) that will see an end to all planned industrial action, it announced today (DATE).

 

Following extensive negotiations on the eve of planned strike action, Unite secured a series of commitment from HAL. Workers at Heathrow were balloted on, and accepted, a series of guarantees made by HAL over outsourcing and reviews of working practices that have ensured future job security.

 

Unite has now cancelled all industrial action after suspending strikes last week to allow talks and then undertaking a ballot of its members to take place. The guarantees received from HAL include:

·       No further operational outsourcing of roles until at least 2026

·       A complete review of the effectiveness of outsourcing when contracts expire

·       HAL and Unite will negotiate to ensure job security for members ahead of the H8 regulatory period

·       Full genuine consultation with Unite prior to any issues concerning job security.

 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Unite will not stand for any undermining of our members' pay and conditions by outsourcing their jobs. We will be monitoring these new companies like a hawk and backing workers at the airport one hundred per cent.

 

The dispute was a direct result of the decision of Heathrow to outsource some of its functions: passenger services, trolley operations and campus security

 

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: "This agreement recognises the vital role Unite's members play in the running of one of the world's busiest airports and we will ensure that our members' pay and conditions reflect their importance. 

 

"We will also be working with Heathrow to secure job security for our members ahead of and throughout the next regulatory period, making sure our members have a voice with the CAA."

 

As the body that oversees the running of the airport, the CAA set the amount of money HAL can charge the airlines for the use of the airport. There is a period of consultation on charges and Unite will be making our voice heard and representing our members whose jobs are directly affected by any changes proposed. The next charging period is H8 that comes into place in 2026/2027 until 2031.

 

-ENDS-

 

For media enquiries only, please contact Unite senior communications adviser David Carnell on 07718 666592 or email david.carnell@unitetheunion.org