Air passengers could face 'gruelling summer of travel chaos' with vote on strike action held

Hundreds of check-in and ground staff at Heathrow Airport could be set to walk out during the summer holiday period, amidst warnings of “travel chaos”.

British Airways workers that are members of the GMB union are being asked to vote on whether to take strike action.

The union claims staff are “furious” that a 10% pay cut imposed on them during the pandemic has not been reinstated.

It comes as passengers face lengthy delays at UK airports as the demand for travel rebounds after the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The GMB ballot of its members will end on June 23, with the result expected to be announced on the same day.

Nadine Houghton, the GMB’s national officer, warned British Airways that it would face a “gruelling summer of travel chaos” if they will not give the workers what is theirs.

“Staff at Heathrow have been verbally and physically abused by angry passengers after British Airways’ staff shortages and IT failures nearly brought the airport to a standstill,” said Houghton.

“On top of that, they had their pay slashed during BA’s callous fire and rehire policy.

“Now they want that money back. Bosses have had it back. Heathrow ground and check in staff want to know why they haven’t had it too.”

She continued: “Unrest is now starting to spread like wildfire to other groups of BA workers with many more now considering a vote to walk out.

“British Airways faces a gruelling summer of travel chaos if they won’t give these workers what’s rightfully theirs.”