‘Hundreds of workers’ across Scotland’s largest airports threaten summer strike action

A threat of summer strikes is being intensified to cover Scotland’s three main international airports, a union has warned.   

Unite confirmed that 900 workers are in pay disputes with companies based at Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.

Several industrial action ballots open this week including for staff employed by Edinburgh Airport and Menzies Aviation at the Scottish capital’s airport, involving around 500 Unite members. 

Approximately 70 members working for security services provider ICTS at Aberdeen Airport will also be balloted in a dispute over pay.

Unite last week announced that 170 ICTS workers are being balloted over industrial action at Glasgow with a further 140 Menzies Aviation workers now involved at the same airport.

Strike action is set to take place at the peak of the summer holiday rush coinciding with travel to the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, and the Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow, if the disputes are not resolved.

Around 370 Edinburgh Airport workers being balloted include airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers.

About 280 ground services crew employed by Menzies Aviation at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports have rejected pay offers. They include dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers who support carriers including American Airlines, British Airways, United, Aer Lingus, Emirates Lufthansa, Loganair, and Air Transat. 

A further 240 Unite members employed by ICTS at Aberdeen and Glasgow airports deal with passengers directly in the security search areas and process them for flights. 

Four different strike ballots close on May 21, with a fifth on May 28.

Unite industrial officer Carrie Donoghue warned: “Any strike action would ground planes and passengers during an expectedly busy period with the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.

“The blame for this situation arising will lie entirely with these extremely wealthy companies. They can end these disputes immediately, and in doing so they can give the travelling public peace of mind.”

A spokesperson from Menzies Aviation said: “We are aware of potential industrial action at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports relating to a pay dispute. Discussions are ongoing and we are proactively working towards an outcome that is fair and workable for all parties, while recognising the challenging operating environment caused by the Middle East conflict.

“Pay at both locations has consistently increased above inflation since the Covid pandemic, and our current proposal again exceeds inflation and aligns with agreements the union has reached with other ground handlers at Edinburgh and Glasgow.

“Should industrial action take place, we have robust and proven contingency plans to minimise any potential disruption to our airline customers and their passengers, ensuring flights can operate as scheduled.”