Potential industrial action at Heathrow Airport has been averted after a multi-year pay deal was agreed by baggage handlers at the UK hub, who are members of the trade union Unite.
The pay deal covers hundreds of workers employed by Babcock Airports Ltd, comprising five different bargaining units across Heathrow and covers a workforce of mechanical and electrical technicians and baggage operational staff.
Following eight months of negotiations and extensive talks at the conciliation service Acas, Unite members agreed a two-year pay deal which will see a three per cent pay increase in 2019 and 2020. The rise will apply from August and be paid next month.
In addition, Babcock agreed to review workers’ contracts on an annual basis, with a commitment that terms will not be reduced and all existing workers will benefit.
The review of the contract will be completed by the end of March 2020. By the same date Babcock will also review contractual redundancy pay.
Unite regional officer Lindsey Olliver said without Acas a deal would not have been agreed and it is likely that there would not have been an agreement and members would have had no option to be balloted for industrial action, potentially causing serious disruption at Heathrow.
