British Airways Office Cleaners Strike at London Heathrow HQ: A Call for Fair Wages

British Airways Office Cleaners Strike at London Heathrow HQ: A Call for Fair Wages

By Tim Bond | March 14, 2025

LONDON – Cleaners working at British Airways’ (BA) headquarters near London Heathrow, employed by facilities services firm OCS, have launched a strike over low wages, demanding fair pay. The industrial action has escalated, with workers staging protests outside both BA’s headquarters and OCS’ offices.

The cleaners, who are responsible for maintaining BA’s offices at Heathrow, argue that they are being paid significantly less than the real living wage, despite OCS being accredited by the Living Wage Foundation. This pay disparity has left many workers struggling to make ends meet in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

Key Details of the Strike

The cleaners are currently earning the legal minimum wage of £11.44 per hour, while OCS’ directly employed staff receive the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended rate of £12.60 per hour nationwide and £13.85 per hour in London. This financial strain has forced some employees to rely on food banks and face difficulties paying rent.

The strike began with a four-day walkout in late February, and further industrial action is planned from 15 to 22 March. Demonstrations will take place at the following locations:

• Monday, 17 March (13:00 – 15:00): Protest outside OCS’ Feltham office (TW14 0RX).

• Tuesday, 18 March (09:30 – 11:00): Demonstration outside British Airways’ headquarters in West Drayton (UB7 0GA).

Unite, the workers’ trade union, has warned that the strikes will escalate if their demands for fair wages are not met.

Financial Disparities Highlighted

Despite the workers’ struggles, OCS reported £28.3 million in operating profits in 2023, while British Airways’ parent company, IAG, generated £1.7 billion in profit during the peak summer season. Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham criticized OCS, stating: “It is sheer hypocrisy for OCS to claim it is a real living wage employer while its British Airways staff are struggling on poverty pay and forced to rely on food banks.”

Impact on Heathrow and Travel Plans

The ongoing strike action could potentially disrupt operations at British Airways’ headquarters near Heathrow. For travelers planning to fly from London Heathrow, it’s essential to stay updated on any developments that might affect your journey.

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Stay Informed and Save

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