Heathrow Express braced for walk-out

HEATHROW Express staff are set to stage three 24-hour strikes next week in a dispute over union recognition.

Members of trade union Aslef plan to walk out on October 3, 10 and 12 because the union wants sole recognition. But Heathrow Express managing director Brian Raven said during its own consultation employees voted evenly in favour of representation by both a trade association and Aslef.

He said further discussions would be pursued, as owner BAA worked on contingency plans to maintain operations. The union represents more than 100 of a total of 236 workers on the rail link. The line is used by 14,000 passengers every day.