Heathrow Airport is bracing for increased disruption as strike action by staff assisting passengers with reduced mobility shows no signs of easing. Unite the Union has issued a warning that the walkouts, already impacting hundreds of workers, will escalate unless an ongoing pay dispute is swiftly resolved.
Roughly 800 employees of Wilson James, the private firm responsible for mobility assistance services at Heathrow, are now part of the industrial action. Unite claims these workers earn 10% less than their counterparts performing similar roles at Gatwick Airport—an inequity the union deems unacceptable.
Protesters gathered outside Heathrow’s head offices on Thursday, urging airport leadership to step in. Their message was clear: pressure Wilson James to present a fair pay offer or face a summer of intensified strikes.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham did not mince words, stating: “Wilson James can well afford to put forward an acceptable offer. Heathrow bosses need to the tell the company to do just that, otherwise these strikes will continue to intensify with Unite’s full support.”
The union first launched strike action on 9 April, with around 500 workers. Since then, over 300 more have joined the picket line, significantly ramping up the impact. Unite has made it clear that without a resolution, the walkouts will gain momentum through the summer, a crucial period for travel.
Wilson James, for its part, expressed regret over the continued disruption. A company spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unite members have chosen to take industrial action again despite 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 a constructive and respectful dialogue with our colleagues and their trade union representatives.”
- Passenger Experience: Travellers with reduced mobility may face delays or reduced service levels.
- Peak Travel Season: The potential for wider strikes over summer could severely impact airport operations.
- Pay Disparity: Unite insists the 10% pay gap with Gatwick staff is unjustifiable.
With tensions running high and negotiations at a stalemate, the situation at Heathrow remains precarious. Whether management and Wilson James can come to terms with Unite’s demands before peak holiday travel begins remains to be seen.
