Strike success: 800 passenger assistance workers celebrate pay victory at Heathrow
Passenger assistance workers employed by Wilson James at London Heathrow have ended strikes after voting to accept a 12.5% pay increase.
According to Unite, the union representing the UK’s airport…

June 27, 2025

Passenger assistance workers employed by Wilson James at London Heathrow have ended strikes after voting to accept a 12.5% pay increase.
According to Unite, the union representing the UK’s airport and airline staff, around 800 Wilson James workers employed to support passengers with restricted mobility at London’s primary air transport hub had gone on strike to secure an improved pay deal.
“This is what trade unionism in action looks like: Wilson James’ Heathrow staff stood together in solidarity to achieve fair pay and won a huge victory,” said Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary.
The strike action, which had taken place periodically throughout April, May and June, was started initially in response to a 10% pay disparity between Wilson James staff at Heathrow and their counterparts at London Gatwick.
What does the pay increase look like?
After a temporary suspension to the industrial action was called on 16 June while Unite conducted a formal ballot of its members on the latest proposal, workers have now voted to accept a 7.5% pay increase backdated to January 2025, with wages set to increase by a further 5% in April 2026.
The deal also includes an extra day’s annual leave, improved holiday booking flexibility and a commitment to ensure pay remains fair and competitive going forward.
In addition, Wilson James’ managers also opted to accept a pay deal after industrial action that includes a 7.5 % increase backdated to January, as well as a 1.25 % increase in the overrate rate, enhanced sick pay, a day’s extra annual leave and free airport parking.
With the strikes now completely called off, Unite regional officer, Martin West congratulated workers on their fight for fair pay. “Those wanting better wages and working lives should join Unite – there is power in a union,” he said. Heathrow currently serves up to 6,000 passengers with reduced mobility daily, with the strike causing delays and sometimes missed flights for these passengers.