Flights between the UK and the United States could be hit with United Airlines workers at Heathrow Airport considering a walkout over a pay dispute. Meanwhile, engineers working for American Airlines at the UK's biggest airport are also voting on a possible strike.
A ballot among 300 United Airlines workers in operations, customer services and baggage handling on a potential walkout has opened with the Unite union claiming its members had suffered a real terms pay cut. It will run for three weeks until October 11.
If employees vote to strike it could result in up to 18 flights a day from Heathrow being cancelled, according to the union. Unite claimed its members based at the London hub had been offered a pay rise worth five per cent plus an additional payment this year, and four per cent in 2023.
Employees are also said to be furious over possible plans to end a long standing agreement which does not allow the use of outsourced labour or third party companies.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “United Airlines is offering workers a pay cut when it can afford to pay its staff fairly. To make matters worse, bosses want to tear up a long standing agreement barring the use of outsourced workers.
“These are red lines the workers won’t cross so the airline faces the prospect of steadfast industrial action. Unite members have their union’s complete backing to protect their pay, terms and conditions.”
Unite regional officer Clare Keogh said: “Unite has a long standing commitment from United Airlines to prioritise direct employment. Now management want to open the floodgates to agency and outsourced labour. Our members want fair pay and they won’t allow a race to the bottom. The workforce feel they have no other choice except to begin an industrial action ballot. It’s time for United Airlines to think again.”
A spokesperson for the airline said: “United Airlines continues to hold talks with Unite the Union, with a view to reaching an agreement.”
Workers employed by American Airlines at Heathrow are also voting on strike action in a dispute over pay. More than 50 aircraft maintenance technicians and crew chiefs, responsible for the aircraft used on 23 daily American Airline Heathrow departures, are angry over a three year pay offer.
In the first year, technicians would receive 5.3 per cent and crew chiefs 3.8 per cent. In the second year, all workers would receive a lump sum cash payment, while in the third year a pay freeze would be implemented.
