London Heathrow is today "running a normal operation" despite a strike by ground handling staff at the airport.
The 24-hour industrial action, which started this morning at 0001, is being taken by staff working in terminals 1, 2 and 3.
It was called by the Unite union, which represents more than 500 ground handling staff who carry out duties including check-in and baggage handling at the airport.
But a spokesperson for Heathrow said contingency plans have been put into place to cope with the strike.
He said: "A small number of staff at ASIG, which provides ground handling services to some airlines at Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 and 3 have taken strike action today.
"ASIG has contingency plans in place to minimise disruption for passengers and we currently running a normal operation. Heathrow has extra staff on duty to support passengers with their journey.
"Passengers should allow plenty of time for travelling through the airport and speak to their airline if they have any concerns."
Earlier this week, Unite claimed that talks between it and ASIG, a subsidiary of LHR's largest ground handler BBA, broke down "over the delayed 2013 pay award which should have been implemented 14 months ago" (see news, September 9).
The union claims an offer of 5.5 per cent over two years is "unacceptable".
Graham Smith
