Summer travel plans may face disruptions as a union has raised concerns about potential industrial action by 900 airport workers. The Aviation trade union Unite announced the initiation of multiple ballots this week among workers at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow airports regarding pay disputes.
In the event of a successful ballot, strike actions could commence during the peak summer holiday season, coinciding with the dates of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, and the World Cup in the United States. The closure dates for four of the ballots are set for May 21, while ICTS staff at Aberdeen have until May 28 to cast their votes.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, expressed concerns, stating, “Many workers across major Scottish airports are moving towards summer strike actions. The companies in question are all highly profitable and could easily provide our members with fair pay offers, but have chosen to prioritize profit over the well-being of their employees.”
The scope of the dispute involves ICTS workers who directly interact with passengers in security search areas, assist in flight processing, manage access control points, conduct mobile patrols, and inspect deliveries. Additionally, staff from Edinburgh Airport Limited and around 280 ground services personnel employed by Menzies Aviation are also part of the balloting process.
Carrie Donoghue, Unite’s industrial officer, highlighted the potential impact of any strike action, emphasizing the disruption it could cause during the busy period coinciding with the World Cup and Commonwealth Games. Donoghue placed the responsibility on the affluent companies involved, urging them to swiftly resolve the disputes for the benefit of the traveling public.
A spokesperson from Glasgow Airport commented last week, stating, “We are monitoring the ongoing discussions between Unite and ICTS and are hopeful for a positive resolution to emerge from this dialogue.”
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