World Cup flights saved but Heathrow strikes continue

Action by Unite union members was due to start today following a dispute over pay with employer dnata. Three days of strikes have since been called off after members accepted an improved pay offer. 

Strike action involving Menzies workers employed in cargo and trucking sections has also been suspended to allow staff to be balloted over a new pay offer. 

However, the union warned 350 other ground handlers employed by Menzies would still walk out for 72 hours from 4am Friday (18 November).

The action will impact American Airlines, Air Canada, Swiss, Finnair, Lufthansa, Tap Air Portugal, Austrian Airlines, Qantas, Egypt Air and Aer Lingus, the union said.

Unite regional officer Kevin Hall said: "The strike action will inevitably cause serious delays for passengers at Heathrow but this dispute is entirely of Menzies’ own making.

"It has had every opportunity to make our members’ a fair pay offer, but it has stubbornly refused to do so."

A picket line will be in place from 4am Friday (18 November) on the north side of the junction of Nene Road and Bath Road.