Leading union backs Heathrow expansion

GMB, the union for airport staff, is calling on MPs to vote in favour of a third runway at Heathrow Airport, at a vote in the House of Commons today.
The union, along with the TUC, BALPA, Community and Unite, set out what they believe are the benefits of a third runway at Heathrow in an open letter earlier this year.
The letter stated that the new runway would create 180,000 new jobs, not only in the aviation industry, but also in the aerospace, construction and steel industries; doubling the number of apprenticeships to 10,000; and bring £187bn in economic benefits.
Perry Phillips, GMB regional officer for aviation at Heathrow said: "The GMB London Region fully supports the Heathrow expansion and very much hopes that MPs in Parliament today will vote to support the 3rd runway that will create thousands of new jobs and apprentice schemes at Heathrow Airport that will also mean a massive boost to the local economy in the surrounding areas in West London.
"It is also imperative to point out, that existing Heathrow workers should also benefit from the Heathrow expansion with the immediate implementation of the London Living Wage lifting thousands of workers from poverty pay into a decent and fair wage for them and their families."
"It is also right and proper that Heathrow workers should have better and fair terms and conditions of employment.
"The GMB London Region has been campaigning on behalf of low paid employees at the Airport for the implementation of the London Living Wage, and now is the time for Heathrow Ltd to stop procrastinating on their commitment to pay the LLW and implement it now."
Read more cargo airport news
Sign up to receive Air Cargo News direct to your inbox for free