A summer strike threat at Heathrow has been lifted after hundreds of baggage handlers and check-in staff won a new pay deal.
The workers employed by GH London – formally Azzurra – secured a 9.1% pay rise after they backed strike action in a dispute over low wages, according to the Unite union.
More than 300 workers at Heathrow Terminal 2 and 4 voted by 99.2% in April to take strike action following a series of pay freezes.
But industrial action was avoided after “constructive negotiations” concluded with an agreement to award workers a 9.1% increase, including 6.1% for 2017 and 2018 on top of a 3% increase for 2019.
Unite regional officer Kevin Hall said: “The overwhelming vote for strike action was proof that workers at Heathrow had had enough of year on year pay freezes.
“There was a lot of anger but more and more workers joined Unite and were able to demand an end to the pay injustice.
“Once constructive talks got underway the workers’ representatives negotiated a 9% pay deal.
“We’re pleased that GH London is now recognising its workers’ contribution with a significant pay increase.”