London Gatwick flight delays as workers who provide assisted travel strike over pay

The Unite members involved in the dispute work at Wilson James at London Gatwick. Unite has been engaged in pay negotiations with Wilson James since May, however it is failing to table an acceptable offer to workers.

Unite members have unanimously rejected a two-year offer of a 3.4 per cent uplift in pay plus a 0.6 per cent non-consolidated bonus and just 0.5 per cent uplift in pensions for 2026 followed by a rise of CPI plus 0.5 per cent next year.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Wilson James is a highly profitable company which can more than afford to put forward a pay deal that reflects the hard work our members do.

“These workers are vital in the smooth running of the airport, doing a key role in assisting passengers on and off flights. Their jobs have become even more difficult as Gatwick has become busier.”

Strikes will take place on September 17 to September 21 then September 23 to September 26.

Industrial action means it will take longer to board and disembark passengers who rely on the service leading to flight delays across both short-haul and long-haul services to and from Gatwick.

Unite regional officer Ben Davis said: "Unite has been trying to negotiate a better pay deal for our members for months, however Wilson James has failed to put forward an offer that is acceptable to workers.

“Industrial action will inevitably disrupt services throughout Gatwick but this is a direct result of Wilson James refusal to make a fair offer to our members. Strikes can be avoided but that requires the company making a significantly improved offer.”