The Unite union has confirmed around 2,000 security officers at Heathrow airport will go on a strike for 31 days this summer.
The strike will start from June 24 and will include the Eid festival, from 28-30 June, the beginning of the school holidays and the August Bank Holiday.
For the first time, security officers based at Terminal 3 will join colleagues from Terminal 5 and campus security on the picket line. Campus security staff are responsible for checking all personnel and vehicles going airside.
Advantage Travel Partnership CEO Julia 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.
“These new strikes and the ongoing disruption to travel in the UK with ongoing rail and Border Force strikes continues to have a detrimental effect on how travellers view the travel industry and the plans they make.
“The strike action proposed, which will likely take place in mid-June and run through to the August Bank Holiday weekend, could create uncertainty for people who have summer holidays planned.
“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.”
She added: “If you have booked through a travel agent, we would recommend getting in contact with them as they will have the most up to date advice and information for your travel.
“We’re hoping that contingency measures put in place will avoid unnecessary disruption for travellers and that the majority will not experience delays.”
Heathrow reiterated the statement it made last week, when reports that Unite was planning more strikes began circulating, saying it will do everything it can to minimise disruption.
The airport added talks with Unite will continue.
The complete list of strike dates is: 24, 25, 28, 29 and 30 June; 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 31 July and 4, 5, 6 , 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, and 27 August.
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The strike will start from June 24 and will include the Eid festival, from 28-30 June, the beginning of the school holidays and the August Bank Holiday.
For the first time, security officers based at Terminal 3 will join colleagues from Terminal 5 and campus security on the picket line. Campus security staff are responsible for checking all personnel and vehicles going airside.
Advantage Travel Partnership CEO Julia 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.
“These new strikes and the ongoing disruption to travel in the UK with ongoing rail and Border Force strikes continues to have a detrimental effect on how travellers view the travel industry and the plans they make.
“The strike action proposed, which will likely take place in mid-June and run through to the August Bank Holiday weekend, could create uncertainty for people who have summer holidays planned.
“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.”
She added: “If you have booked through a travel agent, we would recommend getting in contact with them as they will have the most up to date advice and information for your travel.
“We’re hoping that contingency measures put in place will avoid unnecessary disruption for travellers and that the majority will not experience delays.”
Heathrow reiterated the statement it made last week, when reports that Unite was planning more strikes began circulating, saying it will do everything it can to minimise disruption.
The airport added talks with Unite will continue.
The complete list of strike dates is: 24, 25, 28, 29 and 30 June; 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 31 July and 4, 5, 6 , 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, and 27 August.
The post Unite confirms 31 days of Heathrow summer strikes appeared first on Travel Gossip.
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