Despite these blockbuster results, many workers don't earn enough to live on
GMB, the union for Heathrow staff, has urged Heathrow Airport to force contractors to pay the living wage after the airport announced a whopping £3 billion revenue.
According to accounts released this morning, 2018 was the busiest year in Heathrow's history, bringing in 80.1m passengers, a climb in revenue of three per cent to £3bn, and £2.3bn from private investors.
Last year, GMB welcomed the airport’s announcement that all contracted staff working at Heathrow will be paid the London Living Wage of £10.55 per hour by 2020. [2]
Today's results show Heathrow airport is thriving - in fact is dripping with money.
Perry Phillips, Regional Organiser for Aviation and Heathrow:
However contractors have been slow to back the commitment - and GMB says today's blockbuster results are the perfect time to lead the way and become the gold standard in airport employment practices.
Over the past three years GMB have led the campaign for ensuring all staff at Heathrow, both direct and contracted, are paid the London Living Wage.
Perry Phillips, Regional Organiser for Aviation and Heathrow, said:
"Today's results show Heathrow airport is thriving - in fact is dripping with money.
"But that success is built on the back of 1000s of workers who keep the airport clean, safe and operational.
"Yet despite these blockbuster results, many of them don't earn enough to live on, enough to make sure their rent is paid and their families are fed. That can't be right.
"We are calling on Heathrow to put the pressure on their contract partners, make sure they are all paid the living wage, and become the gold standard not just in customer service, but in employment practice."
