The Unite union has called off two out of 31 days of strike action planned for this summer by Heathrow Airport security staff after receiving an improved pay offer.
Strikes due to take place on Saturday 24 June and Sunday 25 June will no longer go ahead “as a gesture of goodwill,” Unite said in a statement.
“Following extensive negotiations last week, a new offer was put forward by Heathrow Airport,” Unite coordinator Wayne King said. “Members will now be balloted on the latest offer and they will decide whether or not it meets their expectations.”
Some 29 days of strikes are still on the cards, with these going ahead as planned if workers reject Heathrow’s latest offer, Unite said.
Strikes in Terminal Five would look to exclusively threaten British Airways-operated flights, while walkouts in Terminal Three could affect the likes of Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines.
Unite had previously rejected an offer of a 10.1% pay increase for staff, arguing the 2,000 workers from the airport’s third and fifth terminals wanted a raise in line with the retail price index rate of 11.4%.
Despite several days of action already, Heathrow played down the impact of strikes earlier this week, reporting no security delays during May as passenger figures neared pre-pandemic levels.