Heathrow: Bank holiday strike by refuelling staff called off

Refuelling staff had been set to walk out on 4 May

A planned bank holiday weekend strike at Heathrow by refuelling staff over pay and conditions has been called off.

Union Unite said AFS workers had been set to walk out for 72 hours on 4 May, which it claimed could have grounded 35 airlines.

The union said the planned action was over "drastic cuts" to terms and conditions for new staff members since January.

AFS said it was pleased the action had been called off.

Heathrow declined to comment but previously said it had contingency measures.

Unite said AFS had agreed to improve pension and sick leave offered to new workers to bring them more in line with existing staff.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Workers at AFS should be congratulated for standing firm against their employer and winning these improved terms."

Regional officer Kevin Hall said AFS staff do a "dangerous, dirty and skilled job."

AFS said: "We are pleased to confirm that the planned industrial action involving AFS from 4-7 May has now been cancelled and normal service will go ahead."

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