Hundreds of workers at Heathrow are set to strike on Wednesday (9 April) in a dispute over pay.
Roughly 500 Wilson James workers who provide assistance to passengers with restricted mobility are threatening to walk out.
The Heathrow Wilson James workers say they are striking for ‘fair pay’, claiming they’re paid less than their colleagues at Gatwick performing the same role.
Earlier strike action was postponed following a revised pay offer from the company, which has since been rejected.
Wilson James said it has contingency plans in place to support passengers if the strike does go ahead on Wednesday.
A spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unite members have voted to reject a strong and competitive pay offer which comprised a 7% increase in year one, further uplifts in year two, and additional benefits for long-serving colleagues.
“Despite this, our focus remains on maintaining a safe and consistent service for the passengers who need it most, ensuring that they are not affected and that the Assistance Service operates as normal. We have activated contingency plans to support Heathrow operations and remain committed to a positive and collaborative relationship with our colleagues and trade union members.”
Around 50 British Airways office cleaners, who are employed by OCS, will also join Wednesday’s picket line as part of a pay dispute.
Sharon Graham, General Secretary of United the union, which represents both sets of workers, said: “Heathrow, Wilson James, BA and OCS are all highly profitable and can more than afford to ensure these workers are offered reasonable pay deals.
“Unite is backing Heathrow’s passenger assistance workers and the BA cleaners 100 per cent as they strike for fair pay.”
At Gatwick, staff employed by ground handling firm Red Handling are threatening industrial action over the Easter weekend.
Unite said the strikes would cause ‘major disruption’ as the staff provide baggage handling, check in and flight dispatch services for Norwegian, Delta Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal and Air Peace.
The staff are striking over ‘numerous issues’, including unpaid pensions, late payments and new working patterns.
Strike action will start on Good Friday 18 April and continue every day over the Easter weekend until the early hours of Tuesday 22 April.
A Gatwick spokesperson said: “We are aware of the recent ballot results and the planned industrial action by Red Handling which will impact thousands of passengers during one of our busiest times of year.
“We are supporting the airlines impacted, who hold the contracts directly with Red Handling, with their contingency plans and are hopeful a resolution can be reached ahead of the proposed industrial action.
“Passengers are advised to contact their airlines directly for information.”
Travel Gossip has approached British Airways and Heathrow for comment.
