Heathrow airport set to grind to halt as strikes announced

Workers at Heathrow Airport Ltd are set to take strike action in the dispute over plans to fire and rehire its 4,000 workers on vastly reduced pay.

The strike action by members of Unite, the UK’s principal aviation union, will involve firefighters, engineers, campus security, baggage operations, operational and airside workers and will effectively close the airport. The workforce at HAL recorded an 85 per cent vote in favour of industrial action

The first 24 hour strike will take place on Tuesday 1 December, with a further one day stoppage on Monday 14 December. A 48 hour stoppage will take place on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 December.

The industrial action planned will impact a significant amount of operational activity at the airport, whilst the strikes will no doubt cause chaos for travellers, the impact will resonate to cargo.

During the planned strike actions, cargo sheds will be running on minimal resources and Maltacourt are suggesting customers avoid moving cargo on these dates, wherever possible. Look at diverting to Manchester, where Maltacourt can offer support or for cargo heading North, why not look at Edinburgh, where Maltacourt also has presence.

Please note, Maltacourt is being advised that despite potential delays, waiting time will still be chargeable and enforceable from cargo sheds.