GMB call on MPs to vote for Heathrow 3rd runway prior to parliamentary vote

GMB call on members of parliament to vote for 3rd runway at Heathrow Airport in vote today in the commons

The 3rd runway 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, says GMB London

GMB, the union for airport staff, are calling on MPs to vote in favour of a 3rd runway at Heathrow Airport, at a vote in the House of Commons today (Monday 22 June). [See notes to editors for previous GMB press releases]

The benefits of a 3rd runway at Heathrow were set out in an open letter form GMB, TUC, BALPA, Community and Unite the Union earlier this year, which included; 180,000 new jobs created, not only in the aviation industry, but also in the aerospace, construction and steel industries; doubling the number of apprenticeships to 10,000; and £187 billion in economic benefits.

GMB have also been campaigning on behalf of its members, many of whom work for contracted employers at London Heathrow Airport, to be paid the London Living Wage. Heathrow Airport Holdings Ltd, which runs operations at Heathrow Airport, have committed to pay the London Living Wage to its direct supply chain by 2020.

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.”

ENDS

Contact: Perry Phillips 07912 293 481 or GMB London Press Office 07970 114 762

Notes to Editors

Previous GMB Press releases

GMB send open letter to MPs to back third runway bid (11 May 2018)

https://www.gmblondon.org.uk/news/gmb-send-open-letter-to-mps-to-back-third-runway-bid

GMB welcome Parliament vote on 3rd Heathrow runway (23 March 2018)

https://www.gmblondon.org.uk/news/gmb-welcome-parliament-vote-on-3rd-heathrow-runway

GMB call on Heathrow Airport Holdings Ltd to stick to London Living Wage promises (26 Feb 2018)

https://www.gmblondon.org.uk/news/gmb-call-on-heathrow-airport-holdings-ltd-to-stick-to-london-living-wage-promises

GMB stress importance of getting on with third runway at Heathrow (17 January 2018)

https://www.gmblondon.org.uk/news/gmb-stress-importance-of-getting-on-with-third-runway-at-heathrow

GMB London call for consultation to be final round in go ahead for Heathrow 3rd runway (2 February 2017)

https://www.gmblondon.org.uk/news/gmb-london-call-for-consultation-to-be-final-round-in-go-ahead-for-heathrow-3rd-runway