The union said the airport had made £701 million in 2023, “above what it was making prior to the pandemic” – although this figure drops to £38 million when including exceptional items. Unite also accused Heathrow chiefs of ignoring consultation procedures by announcing the changes from 1 June.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Heathrow airport’s actions are deplorable; it is raking in massive profits for the bosses while trying to squeeze every last penny out of its workforce.”
The airport also faces industrial action by Unite members at AFS Ltd, an airline refuelling company, over 4-6 May. However, it is thought numbers involved in both disputes are not enough to disrupt day to day running of the airport.
Heathrow said: “There are no job losses as a result of these changes, and we continue to discuss with Unite the implementation of these changes for the small number of colleagues impacted.”
“Unite’s threats of potential industrial action are unnecessary, and customers can be reassured that we will keep the airport operating smoothly just like we have in the past.”