Heathrow security officers call off strikes after accepting pay deal

The 2,000 members of the Unite union at Heathrow airport’s terminals 3 and 5 that were set to strike for 31 days over the summer months have called off the walkout.

The first two days of action (24 and 25 June) were called off almost two weeks ago while a ballot was taking place on an initial pay increase offer.

The union has said that workers have voted to accept an increase worth between 15.5 and 17 per cent, depending on their band.

The offer includes a 10 per cent increase in pay – backdated to January – rising to 11.5 per cent in October, an increase in line with inflation in 2024, with a minimum uplift of four per cent.

Unite’s 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.”

A Heathrow spokesperson added: “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.”