Bank holiday strike threatening upwards of 30 airlines called off
James ChapplePlanned strike action by around 50 refuelling operatives at Heathrow airport over the early May bank holiday weekend has been called off.
The strike, which the Unite union said could ground "as many as 35 airlines", had been due to take place over 4-7 May.
However, the action was pulled on Monday (29 April) after affected Unite members accepted new and improved pay and conditions.
Airlines that had been at risk of disruption included Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, Emirates and Air France.
A spokesperson for Aviation Fuel Services said: "We are pleased to confirm the planned industrial action involving AFS from 4-7 May has now been cancelled and normal service will go ahead."
Unite said after negotiations, AFS had agreed to improve pension and sick leave offered to new workers "to bring them closer in line with existing staff".
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: "Workers at AFS should be congratulated for standing firm against their employer and winning these improved terms."
Kevin Hall, Unite regional officers, added: "This is a good win for our members at AFS. They do a dangerous, dirty and skilled job and just wanted decent terms from their employer."
James Chapple
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