Back Heathrow (the community campaign that represents over 100,000 local people who support a new runway) and the country’s two biggest industrial trade unions (Unite and GMB) have welcomed Heathrow Airport’s formal application to the government for a third runway.
Parmjit Dhanda, Back Heathrow’s Executive Director said:
“We’ve been here before, but this feels different. The country is crying out for growth. Locally there is a silent majority of working people who want to see change. Thousands of them depend on airport-related jobs. For the sake of West London and our country, it’s time for the builders, not the blockers.”
Joe McGowan, Regional Officer for Unite the Union said:
“Unite backs a new runway at Heathrow. It won’t just create thousands of jobs for West London, but will trigger many more across the country in green industries like Sustainable Aviation Fuels. We’ve got to stop talking about big projects in our country and start delivering them.”
Trevlyn McLeod, Regional Organiser, GMB London Region said:
“I represent people who work at the airport, so I know how important Heathrow has been in providing a living for generations of workers. I want even more workers to benefit from new unionised jobs and apprenticeships. I’m proud of my union for backing expansion, which will deliver these opportunities.”
Unite and GMB are two of the biggest trade unions in the country, representing 1.8 million workers between them. Back Heathrow represents over 100,000 people who live locally, over 50% of them live within 5 miles of the Airport.
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- Pictures include Back Heathrow campaigning with Unite and GMB over the years.