The Unite trade union has welcomed today’s announcement about Heathrow expansion but have called for it to be part of a “coherent industrial strategy”.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has officially backed plans for a third runway at the London hub as part of a strategy to boost economic growth.
She said adding much-needed capacity at Heathrow will be a boost for job creation and the UK’s standing as a linchpin in the global economy.
However, Unite warned that a “lack a coherent industrial strategy and joined up thinking jeopardises the government’s plans for growth and risks alienating workers”.
It called on the government to urgently transform the threatened Grangemouth oil refinery into a Sustainable Aviation Fuel facility.
Unite believes support for a third runway at Heathrow should be fully co-ordinated with a direct move to minimise the carbon impact by investing in SAF.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Rachel Reeves is right our economy needs to grow but her dash for growth will be undermined without joined up thinking, a coherent industrial strategy and ensuring that workers directly benefit.
“Investment and planning approval must be linked to cast iron commitments to create well paid, unionised jobs here in the UK. Otherwise, the government is relying on a trickle-down effect to increase prosperity and workers are left waiting for crumbs from rich men’s tables.
“A third runway at Heathrow must be about more than just infrastructure – it’s about investing in the workforce and securing the future of good, unionised jobs. With workers facing economic uncertainty, these projects must deliver real opportunities for highly-skilled, well-paid employment that puts money back into working families and local communities.
“Despite the positive news about Heathrow the government is guilty of missing an own goal by failing to directly link expansion with transforming Grangemouth into a SAF production facility.
“If the chancellor is serious about claiming the environmental benefits of SAF as part of her dash for growth and the government’s duty to ensure we have energy security, she will need Grangemouth to start producing SAF ASAP.
“For the government to support the redevelopment of Old Trafford at the same time as Manchester United’s joint owner billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, is ploughing ahead with Grangemouth’s closure plans, is either tin-eared or inept.
“The public will welcome the good intentions behind this speech but will be alarmed by the lack of detail about how it will improve their lives.”
Alun Cornish, manager director ramp and gateways at FedEx Europe, said: “Expansion at Heathrow is a step in the right direction for UK growth.
“To fully realise its potential, it’s crucial that expansion plans include provisions for cargo growth alongside passenger flights.
“The ability to efficiently import and export goods is essential for UK economic growth, so it’s vital that cargo forms part of the UK’s future airport strategy.
“Trade is a cornerstone of our economy, and our research last year revealed that the UK remains a leading exporter to both the EU and other global markets.
“Increased capacity in UK supply chains would be welcomed and would be a key enabler of the UK’s plans for growth.”
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “We recognise the vital role that aviation plays in the growth of the UK economy, and the role of the aviation regulator has in enabling that.
“Expanding the sector will give passengers more choice and build resilience as well as contributing to the UK’s productivity.
“In doing so, it will be important for the sector to remain safe and grow in a responsible way. In undertaking this regulatory role, we will work with Government and the aviation sector.”
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