Around 800 workers who support passengers with restricted mobility at Heathrow are calling on airport bosses to step in as strike action by staff employed by contractor Wilson James 'intensifies'.

Hundreds of workers are set to march to Heathrow's head office in Hillingdon this week, demanding the airport's management intervene in the ongoing pay dispute.

The employees, who assist between 4,000 and 6,000 passengers with restricted mobility each day, are angry they earn around 10% less than colleagues performing the same roles at Gatwick.

Strike action began in April, and the latest walkouts took place on Monday (20 May) and Tuesday (21 May), with further strikes scheduled Thursday (23 May).

Unite the Union warns that strikes will escalate further into the summer unless the dispute is resolved.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Wilson James can well afford to put forward an acceptable offer.

"Heathrow bosses need to tell the company to do just that, otherwise these strikes will continue to intensify with Unite's full support."

Since the start of the dispute, more than 300 additional workers have joined the industrial action, bringing the total number of striking staff to around 800.

Unite says the refusal of Wilson James to table a fair offer has led to serious disruption, including passengers missing flights and being left without wheelchairs or assistance.

Wilson James reported £35.4 million in gross profits in the year ending July 2024, with a 17.7% increase in turnover. Meanwhile, Heathrow Airport Limited posted pre-tax profits close to £1 billion in 2024.

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."