Gatwick Airport assistance workers to strike over pay

More than 220 passenger assistance workers employed by Wilson James at Gatwick Airport will walk out for five days on September 17 according to Unite the Union.

Wilson James provides special assistance at the airport to help passengers with reduced mobility board and disembark aircraft.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: "Wilson James is a highly profitable company which can more than afford to put forward a pay deal that reflects the hard work our members do.

"These workers are vital in the smooth running of the airport, doing a key role in assisting passengers on and off flights.

"Their jobs have become even more difficult as Gatwick has become busier."

Unite has been in pay talks with the company since May but says Wilson James has failed to make an acceptable offer.

Workers have unanimously rejected a two-year deal including a 3.4 per cent pay rise, a 0.6 per cent non-consolidated bonus, and a 0.5 per cent pension increase for 2026.

The union says the proposal does not go far enough to addressing years of low pay.

Strikes will take place from September 17 to September 21 and September 23 to September 26.

Unite says the industrial action will mean it will take longer to board and disembark passengers who rely on the service, which could lead to flight delays across both short-haul and long-haul services.

Ben Davis, regional officer at Unite, said: "Unite has been trying to negotiate a better pay deal for our members for months, however Wilson James has failed to put forward an offer that is acceptable to workers.

"Industrial action will inevitably disrupt services throughout Gatwick but this is a direct result of Wilson James refusal to make a fair offer to our members.

"Strikes can be avoided but that requires the company making a significantly improved offer."

A spokesman for Gatwick Airport said: “We are working with our assisted travel provider, Wilson James, to avoid any impacts and we expect to operate a normal flight schedule for our airlines and passengers on these dates. Of course, we hope Wilson James and their union can reach a resolution before then."

Wilson James has been approached for comment.