Travel to this summer’s World Cup is set to be disrupted after 700 airport workers across Scotland voted for industrial action in a dispute over pay. Unite has confirmed that the affected workers are in pay disputes with companies based at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.
The union will announce strike dates in the coming days, with industrial action expected to occur during the peak of the summer holiday rush coinciding with the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow. Around 370 workers employed by Edinburgh Airport Limited backed strike action, while in Glasgow approximately 320 workers employed by ICTS and Menzies Aviation are also set to strike after rejecting pay offers.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Workers across Scotland’s largest airports have overwhelmingly backed summer strike. This is a direct result of their very profitable employers’ refusal to make a fair pay offer. The workers have no other option and the blame for this situation lies entirely with wealthy companies choosing to boost profits before people.”
A ballot involving approximately 70 ICTS members based at Aberdeen airport in a dispute over a further unacceptable pay offer will close on 28 May. Carrie Donoghue, Unite industrial officer, said: “Strike dates will be set in the coming days. Strikes will severely disrupt planes and passengers during an extremely busy period with the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and summer holidays.”
A spokesperson for AGS Airports, which runs Glasgow Airport, said: “We are aware of the regrettable developments involving Unite, Menzies and ICTS including threats to disrupt passengers’ holiday plans. Both Menzies and ICTS continue to engage in discussions with the trade union as they work to find a resolution on the pay awards.” A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: “Constructive talks on pay were held today with ACAS between Edinburgh Airport and its unions, including Unite. Further talks are planned for early next week.”
