Hundreds of Wilson James workers based at Heathrow Airport have taken part in strike action this week in an ongoing pay dispute.
The 800 employees assist passengers with restricted mobility, with between 4,000 and 6,000 affected passengers passing through the airport every day. They have argued that they are paid 10% less than their counterparts at Gatwick Airport.
The workers, who took part in industrial action in April, as well as on 20-21 May, planned to march to Heathrow’s head offices in Hounslow, London at 11.30am on 22 May to demand the airport’s management intervene in their pay dispute.
Since the dispute began, more than 300 Wilson James workers have joined the strike action.
According to Unite, the organisation’s refusal to table a reasonable offer has caused disruption to thousands of passengers with restricted mobility, with some missing flights and not being provided with wheelchairs or other assistance. It believes that due to Wilson James’ reported gross profits of £35.4 million for the year ending July 2024, and 17.7% increase in its gross turnover from the previous year, it can afford a better pay offer.
The union added that strikes will intensify over the summer if the dispute is not resolved.
A Wilson James spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unite members within our assistance service have chosen to take industrial action again, despite ongoing efforts to resolve concerns collaboratively. Our priority remains delivering a safe and reliable service for passengers, especially those who rely on our support. We have implemented contingency measures to minimise disruption at Heathrow and continue to value constructive and respectful dialogue with our employees and their trade union representatives.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, added: “Wilson James can well afford to put forward an acceptable offer. Heathrow bosses need to tell the organisation to do just that, otherwise these strikes will continue to intensify with Unite’s full support.”
