Union secures ‘significant’ pay hike for Edinburgh airport workers

A “significant pay” deal for around 350 Edinburgh airport workers has been secured by the Unite union.

The union negotiated a pay award which delivers a 5.8% rise in basic pay along with a similar increase being applied to shift allowances.   

The staff deal with passengers directly in airport security, terminal operations, search areas and process them for flights. Those set to receive the pay increase also screen all deliveries, and deal with airside support services. 

The pay increase is backdated from January 1. It also delivers increases to a bonus scheme by up to £450 alongside a number of improvements to working conditions including paternity, income protection and training policies. 

The overall pay uplift is worth up to 8%, according to Unite. The latest pay award builds on a 6.8% basic increase negotiated last year, and 12% in 2023 along with a one-off cash payment of £1,000. 

Unite represents the overwhelming majority of the estimated 500 workers based at Scotland’s biggest airport, which is jointly owned by Vinci Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The Edinburgh airport pay deal is another good deal for our members. Unite’s ‘runway to success’ campaign across Scottish airports continues to deliver better jobs, pay and condition for our membership.”