Potential strike action by workers at two companies operating at Glasgow Airport has been called off after pay deals were agreed. Nearly 400 Unite members working for ICTS and Menzies Aviation voted to down tools following the rejection of "unacceptable" pay offers. However, after discussion between the union and employers, both companies have come back with improved offers which workers are happy with. The action would have impacted further World Cup flights as well as summer holidays with Scottish schools finishing up this month, and the Commonwealth Games which kick off at the end of July.
It follows the news last week that workers employed by Aberdeen Airport had agreed a pay deal to avert a potential strike there. However, an unresolved dispute remains between Unite members and Edinburgh Airport which could lead to industrial action if no deal is agreed.
Improved Pay Offers
Security firm ICTS, which operates the security search areas and employs around 230 people at Glasgow Airport, has agreed a two-year pay deal. A five per cent increase in basic pay and shift allowances, backdated to January 1, will be implemented for 2026 and includes a one-off bank holiday. In 2027, workers will receive an increase of one per cent plus the RPI inflation rate alongside a boost to terms and conditions. Dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers employed by Menzies Aviation will receive a 4.4 per cent increase backdated to January as well as a pay increase in July of between five and 11.1 per cent.
Union Reactions
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Hundreds of frontline workers at Glasgow Airport have secured vastly improved pay deals. This is a direct result of the workers refusing to accept their employers’ pitiful pay offers and to fight for better pay which they successfully secured after the threat of strike action.”
Carrie Donoghue, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite is pleased to have delivered two pay deals covering Menzies Aviation and ICTS workers based at Glasgow Airport. The resolution of these disputes removes the threat of strike action at Glasgow Airport and ensures that no disruption happens during the extremely busy summer period.”
