Strikes by over 220 workers at London Gatwick Airport have been averted after they received an improved pay offer.

The Unite members, who work for Wilson James and provide assisted travel to passengers, were due to walk out for eight days earlier this month.

However, strikes were suspended to allow them to vote on a new pay deal, which they have overwhelmingly accepted.

Workers will now receive a five per cent pay rise backdated to April plus 0.5 per cent uplift to employer contributions on pensions and in 2027 will get CPI plus one per cent or a 3.5 per cent hike, whichever is greater.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is a great win for our members at Wilson James, who do an important job helping passengers with disabilities at one of our busiest airports.

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

The pay deal is an improvement on the previous rejected two-year offer of a 3.4 per cent uplift in 2026 followed by a rise of CPI plus 0.5 per cent next year.

Unite regional officer Ben Davis said: "Unite is very pleased to have resolved this dispute with an improved pay deal for our members at Wilson James. Workers who want better pay should always join Unite and encourage their colleagues to do the same."

ENDS

Notes to editors

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org