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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Milo Boyd

Heathrow workers suspend three-day strike in boost for Brits heading on holidays

A strike by refuelers at Britain's busiest airport has been suspended.

Heathrow workers employed by Aviation Fuel Services were due to hit the picket line today over complaints with pay, with two more days of strikes planned.

The industrial action could've caused significant issues at the West London travel hub, which has already endured months of cancellations and delays, in part due to staffing issues.

The strikes were timed to coincide with the school summer holidays starting, potentially disrupting one of the busiest airport weekends of the season.

Labour union Unite has announced that the strikes have been suspended as a pay offer had been tabled.

The strike could've caused major issues at the airport (REUTERS)

Now union members will be balloted on whether they want to accept it.

Unite regional officer Kevin Hall said: “Unite has consistently said that AFS was capable of making an offer more likely to meet members’ expectations.

"Following the assistance of Acas an improved offer was made.

“Members will now be given the time to consider and vote on the new offer.”

The threat of strike action at Heathrow is the latest chapter in what has become a long and bumpy return of the aviation industry to the skies post-lockdown.

Airlines and airports across the country have faced criticism for disruption to passengers this year, especially during peak times.

There have been late-notice cancellations and delays and many issues with on the ground operations such as baggage handling.

Ground operations at airports including baggage handling have been put under strain this summer (REUTERS)

Earlier this week the Mirror spoke to a baggage handler at Manchester Airport who told of the staffing issues their team was facing.

"People aren't happy and more people are looking at leaving," they told The Mirror.

"It's good people that are looking at leaving. It's a vicious circle. You have to have 50 people on the ramp, but we're down to about 25 some days.

"The new people don't know what they're doing so you have to babysit for them for a month.

"There won't be much change unless we get the man power in. Otherwise, we're going to continue having to work harder."

Click here to read more of his story.

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