The UK and Ireland’s Unite trade union has confirmed that approximately 500 London Heathrow Airport workers providing assistance to passengers with restricted mobility (PRM) will strike for four days over the Easter holidays.

Unite said the workers are angry at being paid an average of 9.5% less than Wilson James staff at London Gatwick Airport performing the same role.

The workers are set to strike from 5 April to 9 April, with the industrial action expected to impact PRM services across the entire airport.

Further strikes will be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved.

Wilson James reported gross profits of £35.4 million for the year ending July 2024, with the company’s gross turnover increasing by 17.7% from the previous year.

Meanwhile, Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) reported a profit before tax of £696 million in the nine months to 30 September 2024.

Wilson James workers at Heathrow walk an average of 13 miles a day while providing emotional reassurance and kindness to passengers who are often stressed and overwhelmed.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “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.”

Unite regional officer, Martin West, said: “Wilson James’ Heathrow workers go above and beyond in their work every day to support and look after passengers. They care deeply about their jobs but have been forced into taking strike action because Wilson James is treating them as second-class workers. The responsibility for the disruption that will be caused lies entirely with the company.

“HAL, 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.”

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