Around 500 workers providing assistance to passengers with restricted mobility (PRM) at Heathrow Airport will go on strike for four days over the Easter holiday, demanding fair wages.
The industrial action, organized by Unite, is set to take place from Saturday, April 5, to Wednesday, April 9, potentially causing significant disruption to PRM services across the airport.
The workers, employed by Wilson James, argue that they are paid 9.5% less than their counterparts at Gatwick performing the same role.
This pay gap comes despite Wilson James reporting £35.4 million in gross profits for the year ending July 2024 and Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) recording £696 million in pre-tax profits in the nine months leading up to September 2024.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary criticized the disparity, stating: “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% in their fight for fair pay.”
The striking workers play a vital role at Heathrow, walking an average of 13 miles per day while providing emotional and physical support to passengers in need.
Martin West, Unite regional officer: “These workers go above and beyond every day to support passengers, but they have been forced to strike because Wilson James is treating them as second-class workers. The responsibility for the disruption lies entirely with the company.”
Unite has warned that further strikes could be scheduled if the pay dispute is not resolved.
The union is calling on Heathrow Airport Limited to intervene and push Wilson James to offer fair wages in line with industry standards.
