Around 1,400 members of the Unite union working in security at Heathrow airport have walked out from Friday 31 March until Easter Sunday, 9 April.

“Heathrow Airport has thrown away the opportunity to avoid strikes. Unite went into today’s meeting looking for an offer our members could accept. Unfortunately, it seems HAL went in with no intention of avoiding industrial action,” Unite’s regional co-ordinating officer, Wayne King, said after last-ditch talks on Thursday night failed.

“The strike action will undoubtedly result in severe delays and disruption to passengers across the airport but this dispute is a direct result of Heathrow Airport’s stubborn refusal to pay its workers fairly,” he added.

The strikes involve security officers at Terminal Five, which is used exclusively by British Airways, and Campus security guards, who are responsible for checking all cargo that enters the airport.

BA has canceled 72 flights on the first day of the strike, sharply reducing the number of passengers who would normally use the terminal.

“Due to the industrial action being taken by Heathrow Airport staff, the number of security lanes in operation will be reduced. Our First Wing will be closed and Fast Track will be reduced. We expect that it will take longer than usual to pass through security and we will have additional BA colleagues available to support customers,” BA said. (ILKHA)