Summer holidays under threat as Heathrow security staff plan month-long strike | Travel News | Travel

Security staff at Heathrow airport have announced 31 days of strike action which could cause travel chaos for British holidaymakers. 

The strikes will involve over 2,000 security officers and staff from the airport’s Terminal 3 will join workers from Terminal 5 will  for the first time. Campus security, who are responsible for checking all personnel and vehicles airside, will also be joining the strike in what is expected to have a big impact on flights. 

Strikes will kick off from Saturday June 24 and are expected to hit many of the world’s biggest airlines. 

The Unite union has said the strikes are over “declining pay for Heathrow employees” and “abject low pay” for security officers.

A large number of airlines will be affected by the action including Virgin, Emirates, Qatar, United, American and Delta. British Airways flights will be impacted by the action at Terminal 5.

READ MORE: Banned items in hold luggage on UK airlines

Strike dates

June 24,25,28,29,30

July 14,15,16,21,22,23,24,28,29,30,31

August 4,5,6,7.11,12,13,14,18,19,20,24,25,26

Eid Festival, the school holidays and the August Bank holiday will be impacted by the strikes. 

“The simple fact remains that the majority of colleagues do not support Unite’s strikes. There is a two-year inflation-beating pay rise ready for colleagues, if only Unite would allow them to have a say. We will continue talks with Unite about resolving this issue.”

The union has warned the dispute could escalate in the coming weeks. 

Travel expert and CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership, Julie Lo Bue-Said, said: “The strike action confirmed by the Unite union which will involve more than 2,000 members of security staff at Heathrow this summer is really disappointing. Hopefully, robust contingency plans are being considered to minimise any potential disruption and conversations between Heathrow Airport and the Unions are on-going to find a suitable outcome. We’re hopeful that recent strikes have shown that the disruption has been minimal, but it doesn’t stop people from worrying and getting anxious.

“For anyone that will be impacted by strikes, our advice is prepare as much as possible for longer wait times, use e-gates where possible and check airport websites before travelling to see if the strikes will affect their journeys. We urge airports and airlines to work together to fulfil their legal obligation to passengers impacted by cancellations and delays.”