Glasgow Airport workers balloted for summer strike in pay dispute

A group of workers who carry out passenger security screening at Glasgow Airport are being balloted for strike action in a pay dispute. 

Strike action could start at the peak of the summer holiday rush coinciding with travel to the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games being held in the Scottish city.      

The Unite union said 170 of its members working for security services provider ICTS are involved.

They deal with passengers directly in the security search areas and process them for flights. They also cover mobile patrols, control access posts, screen all deliveries and deal with emergency services. 

The ballot will open on May 1 and will close on May 21 after the staff “emphatically rejected” an undisclosed pay offer from the company, described as “unacceptable” by the union.

Unite industrial officer Carrie Donoghue said: “Unite has made it clear that there should be a far better pay offer which reflects the critical role our members perform at Glasgow airport. The reality is that the airport simply can’t operate without them. 

“It is ICTS that is putting the travelling public at risk during an expected very busy summer due to the World Cup and Commonwealth Games.” 

The union’s general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has warned ICTS that our members at Glasgow Airport deserve a better pay offer than what is currently on the table.”

Travel Weekly has approached ICTS for comment.