Security staff at Aberdeen Airport have suspended 14 days of planned strike action in July and August after an agreement was reached over pay. The industrial action, which was due to begin on Monday, involved baggage screening staff employed by ICTS HBS Security. The walkout had raised concerns over potential disruption at the airport during one of the busiest times of the year.
Union and Employer Reach Last-Minute Deal
The union said it had been left with no option as negotiations through the conciliation service Acas failed to produce a breakthrough. However, ICTS announced on Friday evening that an agreement had been reached and the proposed industrial action had been cancelled. Unite the Union confirmed that the strike has been suspended after ICTS presented a last-minute enhanced pay offer to the workers.
The revised offer will now be put to workers in a ballot, with union members deciding whether to accept or reject the deal. Unite said it had agreed to suspend industrial action as a "gesture of goodwill" while the vote takes place.
Union Official Comments on Outcome
Unite industrial officer Paula Buchan said: "Unite has agreed to postpone industrial action until our members vote on a new improved pay offer made by ICTS. This offer should have been made available earlier rather than the last minute. Our members have shown determination throughout this dispute and the improved offer has only come about because they have stood firm and refused to back down."
An ICTS spokesperson said: "We're pleased to confirm that an agreement with our colleagues working within hold baggage screening at Aberdeen airport has been reached. We have been informed that the proposed industrial action will now not take place."
Airport Prepared for Potential Disruption
A spokesperson for Aberdeen International Airport previously said: "We have engaged with ICTS, and robust contingency measures will be in place, with no impact expected, but we strongly urge everyone involved to continue working towards a constructive resolution." Aberdeen Airport is Scotland's third busiest airport, handling around over two million passengers annually. The Unite members make up the majority of the baggage screening team at the airport.
