After being left in limbo about whether or not their flights would be going ahead today, passengers travelling from Heathrow can breathe a sigh of relief as the walkout has been suspended.
Unite union will announce later this afternoon whether workers have voted in favour of an improved pay deal.
The strike was part of a two-day walkout which would have seen 4,000 workers including security guards, engineers and firefighters strike. Thousands of passengers have been caught up in the disruption. Late on Sunday evening Unite announced Monday’s strike was called off to allow further talks and today’s strike was called off just hours before it was due to start.
Despite Unite postponing this strike, a walkout is stilled planned for the 23rd and 24th August. The Bank Holiday weekend is expected to be extremely busy.
Flights have already been cancelled today and passengers are being advised to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport. Passengers facing delays and cancellations can check the compensation available to them here.
Security staff at London’s Gatwick are expected to strike on Saturday 10th August for 48 hours. Unite has warned that the strike will cause disruption but Gatwick insists passengers will not be affected.
Meanwhile, passengers will find out tomorrow if their Ryanair flights will be affected this summer. Pilots working for the budget airline will strike as early as 21st August if they vote in favour of industrial action. The disagreement is over pensions, allowances and maternity benefits.
If the strikes go ahead, the delays and disruption have the potential to bring London’s busiest airports to a standstill in the height of summer holiday season.
