- Özgür Töre
This half-term week and the bank holiday weekend will be a tumultuous time for travel in and out of the UK.
17 million drivers will take to the roads and British Airways has canceled 60 flights due to an IT issue on Friday. Despite the cancellations, an estimated half a million passengers are still expected to fly from the UK.
Some 1,400 security staff at London’s Heathrow Airport continue their strike action, which risks disrupting the busy holiday period starting next week.
In a dispute over pay, workers at Terminal 5, which is used by British Airways, are taking part in a three-day industrial action on May 25, 26, and 27, as it was announced by the Unite union earlier.
As the walkouts came ahead of the half-term holiday, from May 29 to June 2, families planning to travel might be affected by the airport strike.
Although the airport is still open, Heathrow Airport warns of disruption to the travel plans of some passengers during this period.
"If you are planning to travel during these dates, it's best to check your flight status with your airline for the latest information," Heathrow Airport earlier said in a statement.
It added that there will be additional "Here to Help" teams available to assist passengers during strike days.
Earlier in May, the Unite union said "as last-minute talks failed," they would have 10 days-industrial action during the month – May 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and May 25, 26, and 27.
"Heathrow prides itself on being the UK’s premium airport – it is bigger and handles more flights and cargo than any other. So it is frankly indefensible that security officer pay is far lower than other London airports," Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham earlier said.
The airport said on Monday that they have so far delivered "excellent passenger service," calling the strikes "completely unnecessary."
It urged the union to put its proposal of a 10% pay increase and £1,150 ($1,420) one-off payment to a vote of its members. "We know the majority of colleagues want to accept this offer," it said. (AA)
