Security workers at Aberdeen International Airport are set to walk out for 14 days in July and August, the Unite union has announced, warning passengers of significant delays. The industrial action involves employees of ICTS, the company responsible for baggage screening at the airport.
Strike Dates and Cause
The first day of the strike will begin on Monday, July 6, 2026, following a breakdown in pay negotiations. Unite said that talks through the conciliation service Acas failed to produce a breakthrough, leaving the union with no option but to escalate the dispute.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “ICTS is a very profitable company that can easily afford to give our members a decent pay increase. It has been caught red-handed putting profits before people.”
Impact on Passengers
Unite officials warned that the strike will cause significant delays at the airport, as Unite members make up the majority of the baggage screening team. The union's industrial officer, Paula Buchan, stated: “ICTS would rather cause massive disruption at the airport than positively work with Unite to resolve this dispute. Strike action will cause significant delays at Aberdeen Airport.”
She added: “ICTS still has time to return to talks with an offer workers can accept. A failure to do so will result in significant airport disruption.”
Response from Airport and ICTS
Aberdeen Airport and ICTS have been approached for comment but have not yet responded. The strike is expected to affect thousands of passengers traveling through the airport during the busy summer period.
