Gatwick assisted travel strikes suspended after improved pay offer
Unite union members will now vote on a revised proposal from employer Wilson James.
Trust 60Craft 65Hype 40How this was reported ▾
The central claim is attributed to named union officials and the article cites company and airport profit figures.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
The article explains the background to the dispute and quotes relevant parties, but lacks detail on the new offer.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
The headline accurately reflects the suspension of strikes, and the article provides relevant details without excessive sensationalism.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
1 source assessed · methodology
Industrial action planned by 220 Unite union members employed by Wilson James at Gatwick Airport has been suspended. The workers, who provide assisted travel services, were due to strike between September 17 and 21, and again from September 23 to 26. The suspension follows fresh negotiations that resulted in an improved pay offer from Wilson James, which union members will now consider.
Pay dispute at Wilson James
Gatwick assisted travel workers to strike over pay
Over 220 Wilson James employees plan walkouts from September 17-21 and September 23-26.
The dispute centres on pay rates. Members of the Unite union had previously rejected a two-year pay deal. This offer included a 3.4 per cent increase, a 0.6 per cent non-consolidated bonus, and a 0.5 per cent pension uplift planned for 2026. Unite argued that the offer did not adequately reflect the increasing demands of the job or the rising cost of living. Some of the lowest-paid workers at Wilson James currently earn £14.71 an hour.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, stated that Wilson James is a highly profitable company capable of providing a better pay deal. She highlighted the essential role these workers play in assisting passengers and noted that their jobs have become more difficult as Gatwick has become busier. Wilson James reported a profit before tax of £17.43 million last year, while Gatwick Airport Ltd announced a profit before tax of £464.2 million in 2025.
Next steps for workers
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A technical fault with air traffic control services is likely to be classified as 'extraordinary circumstances', meaning airlines are not legally obliged to pay compensation.
Ben Davis, regional officer for Unite, confirmed that the industrial action has been paused in good faith to allow members to vote on the latest offer. A spokesman for Gatwick Airport stated that the airport is working with Wilson James to avoid disruption and expects a normal flight schedule. The outcome of the union members' vote will determine whether the strikes proceed or if the new offer is accepted.
Questions this report answers
+Why were the strikes at Gatwick Airport planned?
The strikes were planned by 220 Unite union members employed by Wilson James, who provide assisted travel services. The dispute centred on pay, with workers having previously rejected a two-year deal that included a 3.4 per cent increase, and Unite arguing the offer did not reflect job demands or the cost of living.
+What is the current situation regarding the strikes?
The planned strikes have been suspended to allow workers to vote on a new, improved pay offer from Wilson James. This decision was made in good faith following fresh negotiations between the union and the employer.
+What profits have the companies involved reported?
Wilson James reported a profit before tax of £17.43 million last year. Gatwick Airport Ltd, which funds the contract with Wilson James, reported a profit before tax of £464.2 million in 2025.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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