Staff that assist passengers with reduced mobility at Heathrow Airport have balloted to strike in a dispute over pay.

The issue between service provider Wilson James and its staff who are members of the Unite union, centres over a difference in remuneration between the staff at Heathrow, and  teams doing a similar job for the same employer at nearby Gatwick Airport.

Unite claims that staff are being paid 9.5% less for a similar role. However, Wilson James has said that an above-inflation pay increase has been put to members for a vote.

READ: City Insider: Strikes at Boeing and Textron will hike company valuations in the aftermarket

Unite’s regional officer Martin West said: “Heathrow Airport London, which is hugely profitable, needs to step in and ensure Wilson James tables a pay offer that takes into account the indefensible difference in wages between Heathrow and Gatwick.”

A spokesperson for Wilson James countered:  “We are disappointed that Unite members have chosen to proceed with industrial action, particularly as our above-inflation pay offer – delivering a 5.16% increase and bringing hourly rates to at least 13.4% above the National Living Wage coming into commencement in April 2025 – has not been presented to members for a vote”.

Adding that Wilson James was  ‘disheartened’ that notice of this Industrial Action was issued during the recent unplanned airport closure due to a fire , the company said that it remains ‘fully committed to constructive dialogue with our colleagues’ to find a resolution.

“In the meantime, we have robust contingency plans in place to ensure the continuity of the Assistance Service for passengers at Heathrow throughout the planned strike dates,” the spokesperson concluded.