Gatwick strike called off after pay deal

Strikes by more than 220 workers at Gatwick Airport have been called off after they received an improved pay offer from their employer.

Employees of Wilson James, which provides assistance to passengers with restricted mobility, had been due to walk out for eight days in September.

Industrial action was suspended following negotiations between the company and the Unite union, resulting in a new offer being overwhelmingly accepted.

Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, called the deal, which includes a 5% pay rise backdated to April, "a great win for our members". Wilson James has been contacted for comment.

"Wilson James do an important job helping passengers with disabilities at one of our busiest airports," said Graham.

"They got this better pay deal by standing together and taking action, proving the power of a union."

Staff were due to walk out from 17 to 21 September, followed by further action from 23 to 26 September.

The union described the pay deal as "an improvement" on a previously rejected two-year offer, which featured a 3.4% uplift for 2026.

At the start of September, Unite reported that Wilson James' 2025 pre-tax profits were £17.43m, while its highest paid director received a 38.7% pay rise, going from £483,000 per year to £670,000.

"Meanwhile, the firm's lowest paid members are on £14.71 per hour, while living in an area with a high cost of living," said a spokesperson.

"This has left many struggling to afford essentials such as bills and housing.

"Meanwhile, workloads have increased with Gatwick just having experienced its busiest summer season since 2019," they added.

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