Two days of strike action over proposed outsourcing plans at Heathrow airport have been called off to allow “meaningful, last-minute” talks, according to Unite the union.
Nearly 800 members of the union had been set to walk out from today (May 7) to May 13 in a row about outsourcing plans.
The union said late on Friday that strikes due to take place on May 7-8 had been called off following discussions between Unite and the airport.
The remaining days of strike action from May 9-13 are still due to go ahead pending the outcome of any further negotiations.
More: Week-long Heathrow strike planned in outsourcing row
Wayne King, Unite regional officer, said: “Heathrow airport and Unite have been in discussions and as a goodwill gesture prior to formal talks early next we have suspended strike action on the Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We are calling on Heathrow to recognise the anger among our members over proposed outsourcing plans and to think again.”
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “Unite has confirmed they will pause their first two strike dates at Heathrow.
“We have always been clear passengers will not face any disruption if unnecessary strikes go ahead, and we will meet with Unite next week.”
When the strike action was announced last month, Heathrow said in a statement that it had “robust contingency plans” and anticipated “no impact on passenger journey”.