Gatwick assisted travel workers to strike over pay
Over 220 Wilson James employees plan walkouts from September 17-21 and September 23-26.
Trust 60Craft 65Hype 45How this was reported ▾
The central claim is attributed to named union officials and a company profit figure is cited.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
The article explains why the strike matters, names those involved, and separates fact from comment.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
The headline warns of delays but the article notes the airport expects a normal schedule.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
1 source assessed · methodology
Passengers requiring assistance at Gatwick Airport could face disruption as over 220 workers employed by Wilson James plan to strike. The industrial action is scheduled for two periods: from September 17 to 21, and again from September 23 to 26. The workers, who are members of the Unite union, are disputing a pay offer from their employer.
The rejected offer from Wilson James was a two-year proposal that included a 3.4 per cent pay increase for 2026, a 0.6 per cent non-consolidated bonus, and a 0.5 per cent pension uplift. For the following year, the offer included a rise of CPI plus 0.5 per cent. Unite stated that the offer does not adequately reflect the increased demands placed on staff and the rising cost of living.
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Profits and pay rates
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said that Wilson James is a profitable company capable of providing a better pay deal. Last year, Wilson James recorded a profit before tax of £17.43 million. The company's highest-paid director saw their salary increase by 38.7 per cent, from £483,000 to £670,000. In contrast, some of the lowest-paid workers at Wilson James earn £14.71 per hour, with Unite reporting that many employees struggle to cover basic living expenses.
The contract for assisted travel services at Gatwick is funded by Gatwick Airport Ltd, which reported a profit before tax of £464.2 million in 2025. Unite argues that the workers perform a key role in the airport's smooth operation, assisting passengers on and off flights, and that their jobs have become more difficult as Gatwick has become busier.
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Potential disruption and resolution
The strikes are expected to cause delays for passengers who rely on assisted travel services, potentially affecting both short-haul and long-haul flights. A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport stated that they are working with Wilson James to avoid impacts and anticipate operating a normal flight schedule. They expressed hope that Wilson James and Unite can reach a resolution before the strike dates.
Unite has indicated that the strike action can still be called off if Wilson James presents a significantly improved offer. This dispute follows Gatwick's busiest summer season since 2019.
Questions this report answers
+When are the assisted travel workers at Gatwick planning to strike?
Over 220 assisted travel workers employed by Wilson James at Gatwick Airport are planning to strike over two periods. The first strike is scheduled from September 17 to 21, and the second from September 23 to 26.
+Why are the Wilson James workers striking?
The workers are striking because they have rejected a two-year pay offer from Wilson James. Unite, the union representing the workers, stated the offer did not adequately address increased job demands or the rising cost of living.
+What is the financial situation of the companies involved?
Wilson James recorded a profit before tax of £17.43 million last year. Gatwick Airport, which funds the contract, reported a profit before tax of £464.2 million in 2025. Unite highlighted that Wilson James is a profitable company.
+Can the strikes be avoided?
Yes, Unite has stated that the strike action can still be called off. This would require Wilson James to present a significantly improved pay offer to the workers.
WE FILE
No invented reporter. No hidden source trail.
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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