Heathrow passenger numbers rocket but low-paid workers hit with extortionate parking, warns GMB

Heathrow Airport is set to enjoy record-breaking passenger numbers this year, yet has hit low-paid workers with extortionate car parking charges.

Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) is set to serve 30 million passengers between June and September 2024, the most for that period in the airport’s history, 1.1 million higher than the same period last year.

Yet HAL raised parking charges from £27.19 to £81 per month from earlier this year -  a 198 per cent rise.

GMB Union today [Tuesday] called on Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) to reverse the rise.

Perry Phillips GMB London Region Organiser said:

“While we welcome the news of record passenger numbers and increased revenue for HAL, many of our members, especially the low-paid, are struggling because of low pay and the extortionate and unfair hike imposed for staff car parking.

"Heathrow works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many airport workers rely on using their cars for work because they work during hours not served by public transport or live outside of transport links.

“It’s time for HAL to reverse these charges because it’s the workers on the ground who have contributed to the success of the Airport by dealing with the extra demand.

“More passengers is more work and penalising workers by hitting them in the pocket is no way to say ‘thank you’."