Strikes by hundreds of workers who assist passengers at Heathrow airport with restricted mobility will intensify unless a pay dispute is resolved, a union has warned.
Unite said about 800 of its members employed by private firm Wilson James are now taking industrial action, adding that further walkouts will be held unless the deadlock is broken.
Some of those on strike staged a protest outside Heathrow’s head offices on Thursday calling on the airport’s management to intervene.
Unite said its members are paid 10% less than Wilson James staff at Gatwick airport.
About 500 workers began industrial action on April 9 and more than 300 colleagues have joined them since then.
The union said that strikes will intensify over the summer if the dispute is not resolved.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Wilson James can well afford to put forward an acceptable offer. Heathrow bosses need to the tell the company to do just that, otherwise these strikes will continue to intensify with Unite’s full support.”
A Wilson James spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unite members within our assistance service have chosen to take industrial action again, despite ongoing efforts to resolve concerns collaboratively.
“Our priority remains delivering a safe and reliable service for passengers, especially those who rely on our support.
“We have implemented contingency measures to minimise disruption at Heathrow and continue to value a constructive and respectful dialogue with our colleagues and their trade union representatives.”
