Gatwick strike announced during flights chaos as more than 200 airports workers to walk out in pay row

Now, passengers face the prospect of further disruption after workers who provide assisted travel services at Gatwick announced strike action over pay.The workers are employed by Wilson James and are members of Unite.The union said it has been locked in pay negotiations with Wilson James since May but claimed the company has failed to put forward an acceptable offer.Workers unanimously rejected a two-year deal offering a 3.4 per cent pay rise plus a 0.6 per cent non-consolidated bonus and a 0.5 per cent increase in pension contributions for 2026.The offer would then see pay rise by CPI inflation plus 0.5 per cent next year.An Emirates passenger plane arrives at Gatwick Airport in Crawley, West Sussex, during disruption after a system issue hit NatsPAUnite said the proposed deal does not go far enough to address what it describes as years of low pay at the company.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.”Last year, Wilson James's profit before tax was £17.43 million while its highest paid director received a 38.7 per cent pay rise from £483,000 per year to £670,000 per year, the union says.Read MoreThe contract is funded by Gatwick Airport Ltd who had a £464.2 million profit before tax in 2025, Unite adds. Meanwhile, the lowest paid members at Wilson James are on £14.71 per hour while workloads have increased with Gatwick just having experienced its busiest summer season since 2019.Strikes will take place on September 17 to September 21 then September 23 to September 26. Strike 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.”Wilson James and Gatwick Airport have been contacted for comment.