Two powerful trade union bosses representing more than half a million workers have written to the Government ahead of Heathrow’s formal third runway submission urging no further delays in the project.
The GMB Union’s London Regional Secretary Warren Kenny and the Community Trade Union’s Assistant General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid co-signed the letter.
In the letter they wrote: “As trade union leaders, we have been speaking with Heathrow about plans for expansion, and the jobs it would create, for more than a decade. It's now time to get on with it.
“The construction phase alone will require tens of thousands of skilled workers, from engineers and groundworkers, to steelworkers and electricians.
“This project has the potential to revitalise supply chains nationwide, boost regional economies, and drive investment in training, apprenticeships, and modern construction methods, including through the use of logistics hubs outside of London and the South East to enhance productivity and efficiency.
“Representing over half a million workers between us, our trade unions will continue to work with and challenge Heathrow, including reviewing the detailed plans for expanding Heathrow due next week, to ensure they deliver for working people, not just in aviation, but throughout the construction sector.
“There should be no further delay to the project, and no more delay to rewarding careers, apprenticeship opportunities, economic stimulus. Now, Government must show the confidence to move forward at pace and expand Heathrow so the benefits can start to flow as soon as possible.”
Heathrow is due to submit its proposal for the long delayed third runway to ministers tomorrow.
The airport hopes to secure planning permission in this Parliament and for the runway to be operational by 2035.
The estimated cost of the expansion plan has not yet been made public but it is likely to be at least £20 billion and probably considerably higher.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave her backing to the expansion plan in a speech to business leaders in January.
She said it would "make Britain the world's best connected place to do business".
She said she wanted to get a planning application "signed off" before the next election.
