Travellers using Heathrow airport this Friday (September 12) have been warned to expect delays if a 24 hour strike from ground handlers goes ahead.
The planned industrial action will affect operations in terminals one, two and three and is scheduled to start at 0001 on Friday morning.
Talks between union group Unite, which represents 500 ground handlers, and the management of ASIG, a subsidiary of Heathrow’s largest ground handler BBA, broke down yesterday over the delayed 2013 pay award which Unite said was due months ago.
ASIG has already offered a 5.5 per cent pay increase over two years, which Unite claims is unacceptable, “given the soaring cost of living”.
Regional officer Michelle Braveboy said the potential “chaos” for travellers should get management “around the table again” to negotiate a deal.
"While the company was awarded the privilege of being the main ground handler at terminal two and has grown since 2013 by winning many new contracts, they have forgotten the staff who have contributed so greatly to that success,” said Braveboy.
"We are still negotiating on the 2013 pay award, which should have been paid in July last year, and are now having to negotiate a two-year deal as this year's anniversary date has already passed."