Heathrow Airport Braces for Double Strike Threat in May 2024

London's Heathrow Airport, a major travel hub, faces potential disruption in May 2024 due to two separate strike notices. Passengers planning to fly through Heathrow in May should be aware of these developments and take precautions.

By Aditya M

Border Force Walkout and Work to Rule:

  • The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) represents Border Force staff who conduct passport checks at Heathrow.
  • These workers are planning a four-day strike starting April 29th and lasting until May 2nd. This action stems from a dispute regarding changes to work schedules and potential job cuts.
  • Following the strike, a "work to rule" period is planned between May 3rd and May 18th. During this time, Border Force staff will only perform the minimum duties outlined in their contracts, potentially causing delays in immigration processing.

Refuelling Workers Strike:

  • Unite, another union, represents refuelling workers employed by AFS, a company that services aircraft at Heathrow.
  • These workers are considering a 72-hour strike starting on May 4th. The reason for the strike is the union's disapproval of "drastic cuts to terms and conditions" for new staff.
  • A refuelling strike could have a significant impact, potentially leading to flight delays, cancellations, or even groundings due to fuel shortages.

Looking Ahead:

The upcoming strikes threaten to cause significant disruption at Heathrow during a busy travel month. Negotiations are ongoing between unions and employers to avoid these actions. Passengers are advised to monitor the situation closely and be prepared for potential delays.

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