Heathrow baggage carousel workers balloted on strike action

As travellers await their luggage at Heathrow Airport, a powerful wave of unrest is taking shape amongst the baggage carousel workers who are taking part in a ballot to decide whether strike action should be taken. This latest development puts the spotlight on the ongoing battle for improved working conditions and pay for a workforce at the forefront of the UK’s largest airport.

1. baggage carousel workers at heathrow to strike

More than 1000 baggage carousel workers at Heathrow Airport are set to launch a 24-hour strike this week. The walk out is in protest of their low wages and what they term “inhumane” working conditions. It was announced by the Unite union that workers will stage their first wave of strikes between 6am and midnight on Friday 28th August.

Workers are calling for better pay and improved working conditions. Many of the carousel workers feel they are being treated unfairly and are paid too little for the hard work they do. The workers have outlined their demands:

Secure contracts – Secure and stable work conditions are critical for planning life and providing security.
Increased wages – The current wages are not enough to cover essential costs, such as housing, which is ultimately leading to poverty and mental health issues among the workers.
Shorter working hours – Workers need time to rest and relax in order to be able to perform at the best of their abilities.

The union has asked for management to change their approach when dealing with the workers, and come to an agreement which is mutually beneficial. As yet, there has been no response from Heathrow Airport.

2. potential disruption for airport travelers

Travelers may face a number of potential disruptions when they plan on flying through the airport.

Delayed flights: Unexpected weather conditions, technical issues or crew problems are all possibilities that may cause delays or cancellations of flights.
Long lines at the airport: During busy periods, the waiting lines for checking in and passing security checks could be long, causing further delays in the traveler’s schedule.
Lack of amenities: Flights may experience shortages in essential resources, such as blankets, pillows or food for the duration of the flight.

On top of that, there can be other possible difficulties travelers might face while at the airport. Sudden staff change or shift schedule may cause issues, and staff shortages may lead to fewer departures and arrivals being processed. Additionally, travelers may be subject to strikes by airport employees which could cause the overall flow at the airport to be greatly disrupted.
Overall, travelers should be aware of all the potential obstacles they may encounter at the airport to make the most of their trip.

3. have your affairs in order and be prepared

Being prepared can help bring about a sense of peace of mind. When tragedy strikes, it can be hard to think clearly. If your affairs are in order, it can make it easier to manage things during tough times. Here are three things to do ahead of time to ensure that your affairs will be in order.

Organize important documents: Designate a safe place to store bank statements, copies of, wills, living trusts, insurance policies, deeds, powers of attorney, and other important documents.
Document your property: If you have expensive electronics, jewelry, or art, take pictures or videos of the items and write down serial numbers. Keep a home inventory list in a secure spot.
Keep your contact information current: Make sure your family, lawyer, and financial advisors have your most current contact information.

Even though it is not pleasant to think about, preparing for the worst is prudent. Being prepared can give you the time and energy you need to focus on the most important matters, like family, during a difficult time.

4. the latest news on heathrow strike action

West London based Heathrow Airport has been affected by a series of strike action strikes in the last couple of months. Unite, the British and Irish trade union, has walked out in a show of solidarity against aggressive handling of staff and job losses.
The most recent action was a 48-hour stoppage that started at 1am on Tuesday 23rd October. Unite stated the Heathrow Airport management refused to ‘engage with employees about a wide-ranging programme of change in the cargo division’.

The Airport argued it tried to “reasonably” solve the issue before resorting to strike action. More recently, Unite also took two rounds of industrial action in August, one in August that disrupted flights for 14,000 passengers, and a four-day strike in the same month that cancelled 600 flights leaving holidaymakers and business travellers in utter dismay.

Fortunately for travellers, airport spokespeople have made clear it is ‘business as usual’, with no disruptions expected from the most recent strike. Even with this assurance, travellers should still approach airport operations with caution, making sure to stay updated on the latest news in case the situation changes.

These workers have expressed their intention to take a brave stand and strike in light of the difficult working conditions they face. Their actions may ultimately bring more equitable terms for those who keep the City airport in motion. Heathrow may be big, but the power of collective action cannot be understated. Here’s hoping their efforts will bring some much needed justice.