Heathrow Airport is set to face further disruption next month as around 500 passenger assistance workers prepare to strike for four days over the Easter holiday period.

Unite Union announced on Friday, 28 March, that these workers, who assist passengers with restricted mobility (PRM), are protesting against earning an average of 9.5% less than their counterparts at Gatwick employed by Wilson James.

Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, criticised both Wilson James and Heathrow for underpaying workers despite being highly profitable.

She said: "There is no justification for these employees to be earning significantly less than their colleagues at Gatwick. Unite fully supports them in their fight for fair wages."

The strike is scheduled to take place from 5 April to 9 April.

Unite warned that the industrial action would disrupt PRM services across the entire airport and that further strikes could follow if the dispute remains unresolved.

According to the union, Wilson James' workers at Heathrow walk an average of 13 miles per day while offering emotional support to passengers who are often anxious and overwhelmed.

This news follows a major travel disruption earlier this month when a fire at a nearby electricity substation caused a power outage, leading to the cancellation, delay, or diversion of hundreds of flights.

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Operations at the airport were halted until around 6pm that day, affecting more than 270,000 passengers.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Tuesday, 25 March, that the fire in Hayes, west London, is no longer being treated as a possible criminal incident, stating that no evidence of suspicious activity was found.

Meanwhile, National Grid, London Fire Brigade, and Southern Electricity Network continue to investigate the cause of the blaze.