Heathrow Airport workers postpone 1st summer strikes after improved pay offer

Trade union Unite says initial strikes by airport security staff were called off 'as a sign of goodwill'

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – The first of a series of summer strikes at London's Heathrow Airport by more than 2,000 security staff has been suspended after an improved pay offer, a trade union announced on Monday.

The planned strikes were supposed to take place on June 24 and 25 in the first of a 31-day action which will run through Aug. 27.

However, Heathrow Airports engaged in extensive discussions with Unite, the union representing the workers, last week, leading to an improved pay offer.

"As a sign of goodwill," the initial strikes were called off by the union, Unite said.

"Following extensive negotiations last week a new offer was put forward by Heathrow Airports. Members will now be balloted on the latest offer and they will decide whether or not it meets their expectations," said Wayne King, Unite's regional coordinating officer.

The members of the union previously rejected a pay offer of 10.1%, which they consider to be below inflation.

The consumer price inflation in the UK eased to 8.7% year-on-year in April, down from 10.1% in March but above the expectation of 8.2%.

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