London Gatwick: Wilson James assisted-travel (PRM) staff strike on 17–21 and 23–26 September 2026

More than 220 Wilson James staff who provide assisted travel at London Gatwick — help for passengers with reduced mobility or other assistance needs, from check-in to the aircraft door — are to strike on 17–21 September and 23–26 September 2026 (nine days in two blocks). Unite members rejected a two-year pay offer of 3.4% plus a 0.6% one-off payment and a 0.5% pension uplift for 2026, followed by CPI plus 0.5% for 2027; the lowest-paid staff earn £14.71 an hour. The union says strikes can still be avoided if the company makes a significantly improved offer.

What to expect: the airport stays open and flights operate, but boarding and disembarkation for passengers who need assistance will take longer, which the union expects to cause knock-on delays across short-haul and long-haul services. If you have requested special assistance for a flight on a strike day, reconfirm the request with your airline at least 48 hours in advance, arrive earlier than usual and allow extra time for connections. Neither Gatwick nor Wilson James has yet published contingency arrangements.