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Heathrow disruption averted as union secures pay rise

Heathrow baggage handlers and technicians will not be voting on industrial action, following news that their union, Unite, has sealed a two-year pay deal.

Unite said the pay rise covers hundreds of workers employed by Babcock Airports Ltd, such as mechanical and electrical technicians and baggage operational staff.


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Following eight months of negotiations at the conciliation service Acas, members agreed to a 3% pay increase in 2019 and 2020.

Babcock also agreed to review workers’ contracts annually.

Unite regional officer Lindsey Olliver said: “Unite’s reps at Babcock did a fantastic job in negotiating the best deal possible for our members.

“It is important to thank Acas for its assistance in getting this deal agreed.

“Without Acas’ assistance, it is likely that there would not have been an agreement and our members would have had no option to be balloted for industrial action, potentially causing serious disruption at Heathrow.

“Following this agreement on pay and the further agreement to consider workers’ conditions it is hoped that we can develop a strong working relationship in the future.”

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