Around 500 Heathrow Wilson James workers who provide assistance to passengers with restricted mobility and around 50 staff employed by OCS as British Airways cleaners have begun further strike action in a dispute over for fair pay.
The workers are set to hold a joint picket line outside the airport from 10am to 1pm today (Wednesday 9 April).
The Wilson James workers postponed initial strike action on 5, 6, 7 and 8 April to ballot on a revised offer from their employer, which was rejected. Further industrial action will now be scheduled. OCS workers took industrial action across February and March, with the latest round lasting from 8 to 23 April.
Wilson James staff, who provide emotional reassurance and kindness to passengers who are often stressed and overwhelmed, stated they are angry that they are paid less than their colleagues at Gatwick Airport who perform the same role. They argued that they should be paid more as Wilson James’ reported gross profits for the year ending July 2024 were £35.4 million, with its gross turnover increasing by 17.7% from the previous year.
Meanwhile, OCS staff working for British Airways argued that despite their employer being an accredited real living wage organisation by Living Wage Foundation, they are only receiving the minimum wage, with some having to use foodbanks and others struggling to pay their rent. OCS made operating profits of £28.3 million in 2023, while BA’s parent organisation, IAG, made £1.7 billion during summer last year.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Heathrow, Wilson James, BA and OCS are all highly profitable and can more than afford to ensure these workers are offered reasonable pay deals. Unite is backing Heathrow’s passenger assistance workers and the BA cleaners 100% as they strike for fair pay.”
A Wilson James spokesperson added: “We are disappointed that Unite members have voted to reject a strong and competitive pay offer which comprised a 7% increase in year one, further uplifts in year two, and additional benefits for long-serving staff. Despite this, our focus remains on maintaining a safe and consistent service for the passengers who need it most, ensuring that they are not affected and that the Assistance Service operates as normal. We have activated contingency plans to support Heathrow operations and remain committed to a positive and collaborative relationship with our employees and trade union members.”
OCS was contacted for comment prior to publication.
