16 Dec 2022 | 03:34 AM UTC
UK: Unionized ground staff at London Heathrow Airport suspend planned strike Dec. 16-19 /update 1
Unionized ground staff at London Heathrow Airport, UK, suspend Dec. 16-19 strike. Further actions possible.
Event
Unite the Union has suspended a strike by ground staff at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) employed by Menzies following late talks with management Dec. 15. Ground staff originally planned to strike 04:00 Dec. 16-04:00 Dec. 19 to demand increased pay. According to union leaders, members will vote on the revised pay offer. If it is not passed, Unite is planning another strike action 04:00 Dec. 29-04:00 Jan. 1.
Unless averted, the action will likely prompt disruption to airport operations and flight schedules, including delays and cancelations, at LHR. Union organizers state the action will primarily impact operations at terminals 2, 3, and 4, and flights operated by Air Canada (AC), American Airlines (AA), Lufthansa (LH), Swiss Air (LX), TAP Air Portugal (TP), Austrian Airlines (OS), Qantas (QF), EgyptAir (MS), Aer Lingus (EI), and Finnair (AY). Lingering disruptions are likely following the conclusion of the strike as the airport deals with any passenger backlog and airlines reposition aircraft and crew.
Advice
Confirm flights if booked to fly via LHR Dec. 29-Jan. 1. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Arrive early at the airport to allow additional time for processing. Anticipate possible disruptions to freight routed via LHR. Consider alternative arrangements for critical travel or shipments.
