500 Wilson James London Heathrow Airport workers to strike over pay disparity with Gatwick Airport colleagues during Easter holidays

Around 500  London Heathrow Airport (LHR) workers who assist passengers with restricted mobility (PRM) will strike for four days over the Easter holidays.

Details on the PRM Heathrow strike

Unite, the UK’s leading trade union, has stated that these workers are frustrated with being paid an average of 9.5 per cent less than their counterparts at Gatwick, despite performing the same role.

Wilson James reported gross profits of £35.4 million for the year ending July 2024, with a 17.7 per cent increase in gross turnover compared to the previous year. Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), on the other hand, reported a profit before tax of £696 million for the nine months ending 30 September 2024.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham commented: “Wilson James and Heathrow are both highly profitable, so there is absolutely no excuse for these workers to be paid far less than their colleagues at Gatwick. Unite is backing these workers 100 per cent in their fight for fair pay.”

Impact on PRM services and future action

The strike will take place from Saturday 5 April to Wednesday 9 April, with the industrial action affecting PRM services across the airport. Should the dispute remain unresolved, further strikes will be scheduled.

At Heathrow, Wilson James workers walk an average of 13 miles a day while offering emotional support and reassurance to passengers, many of whom are stressed and overwhelmed.

Unite Regional Officer Martin West added: “Wilson James’ Heathrow workers go above and beyond in their roles every day to support and care for passengers. They are deeply committed to their jobs, but have been forced to take strike action because Wilson James treats them as second-class workers. The responsibility for the disruption that will result lies entirely with the company.

“HAL, which is extremely profitable, needs to intervene and ensure Wilson James presents a pay offer that addresses the unjustifiable pay gap between Heathrow and Gatwick.”

SIGN ME UP