Union chiefs have accused Heathrow of overlooking hundreds of millions of pounds in profit, as a row over strike action intensifies at Britain’s largest airport.
Tensions are running high over Heathrow’s claim it is facing a £400m funding gap after the aviation regulator ordered it to reduce the amount it can charge airlines to use the airport.
The shortfall has prompted chief executive Thomas Woldbye to introduce cost-saving measures, including a proposal to outsource hundreds of security staff to third-party contractors.
The plans have angered unions and Unite is now seeking to challenge the £400m figure, claiming it fails to account for a revised decision from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in March.
Union officials allege that Heathrow stands to gain £217m, rather than facing a hefty loss from updated passenger fees.
The claim is based on Heathrow’s successful effort to reduce a “correction charge” on historic fees it levied on airlines during the pandemic.
Heathrow would have originally faced a £390m cost but the CAA’s March decision recalculated it at £119m, saving Heathrow £271m.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Heathrow has no justification for outsourcing these workers’ jobs, other than its own greed.
“It is peddling the same old tired myths about the need for cost savings. But in truth, it is one of the world’s busiest airports and it has been making money hand over fist since the pandemic. Unite will not sit back and let these members be exploited.”
Heathrow made £83m in profits from £808m in revenue during its most recent quarter. This was compared to a £139m loss the previous year.
Unite has threatened to strike over Heathrow’s plans to outsource security staff, with walk-outs involving nearly 800 workers expected to take place from the 9th to 13th May.
Heathrow has stressed throughout negotiations that no jobs are at risk.
Further walk-outs were expected on Monday and Tuesday this week but were called off late on Friday. Crunch talks between Heathrow and the union will take place in the coming days.
A Heathrow spokesman said: “Unite has confirmed they will pause the first two strike dates at Heathrow, and we will meet with union representatives this week. We have always been clear passengers will not face any disruption if unnecessary strikes go ahead.”
Outsourcing proposals, which affects campus security, passenger support and trolley staff, are expected to save the airport £40m.
It forms part of Heathrow’s attempt to rebuild its balance sheet after the pandemic, during which the airport suffered billions of pounds in losses.
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