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Heathrow is ‘operating normally’ despite strike

John Dunne

HEATHROW AIRPORT is “operating as normal” despite strikes by security guards, chief executive John Holland-Kaye said today.

Around 1,400 members of the Unite union are walking out for 10 days from today, including most of the Easter weekend, in a dispute over pay.

Speaking on Sky News this morning, Mr Holland-Kaye said: “I’m here in Terminal Five which is the only terminal that voted for strike action and you’ll see it’s operating as normal. We have a lot of colleagues who have come to help us out today — both security officers and managers who are helping out in their purple shirts like me. But we also have some other agency, third-party workers who have come in to help us who are very experienced in this kind of security environment, and they’re keeping the airport running smoothly.”

The strike involves security officers at Terminal Five, which is used exclusively by British Airways, and campus security guards who are responsible for checking all cargo that enters the airport.

The union said talks broke down last night because Heathrow Airport Limited failed to substantially improve its pay offer and predicted flight disruption over the Easter holidays.

However, Mr Holland-Kaye added: “Heathrow is operating as normal. If you’re travelling over the Easter period, don’t worry, you’ll have a good journey.

“Please don’t come too early. Three hours is plenty for a long-haul flight, two hours for a short-haul flight, and we will get you to your destination on time.”

Picket lines will be in place across the airport throughout the 10 days of continuous strike action, which ends at 23.59pm on Easter Sunday, April 9.

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2023-03-31T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-31T07:00:00.0000000Z

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