Heathrow Airport strike threat as passenger assistance workers vote on walkout

Nearly 450 staff members working at Heathrow Airport are set to vote on strike action over pay in an effort to match what peers at Gatwick are receiving. Unite, which represents workers across all sectors in the UK and Ireland, announced that passenger assistance workers are being balloted for strike action over their pay. Almost 450 Wilson James workers at Heathrow, who provide assistance to passengers with restricted mobility, will have until 20 March to vote on the strike action. Unite said the workers are “angry” at being paid an average of 9.5% less than Wilson James staff at Gatwick Airport performing the same role. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “There is absolutely no justification for Wilson James paying its Heathrow workers significantly less than its Gatwick staff doing the same job. Both Wilson James and Heathrow are extremely wealthy. The money is there to close the pay gap – Unite will support our members 100% to ensure that happens.” The union said that strike action would affect passenger assistance services across the entire airport.<br/>