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Prestwick airport staff back strike action in August

Prestwick Airport workers in the Unite union have backed strike action in a dispute over pay.

The union said there was an 84% turnout for a vote, which saw 78% back strike action in the coming weeks.

The action will start on Friday August 5 and will continue over four weeks on every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The union said the dispute centres on “the refusal of Prestwick airport’s management to pay shift allowances and meet the Real Living Wage (£9.90) rate for new starters”.

Unite represents more than 80 workers including airport security, firefighters, airfield operators, ground crew, ground handling, cargo, customer services staff and cleaners.

The union said the workers have demanded a “significant” wage increase with inflation reaching a 40-year high at 11.7%.

The last offer on the table for the workforce was between 4% and 6.5%.

Talks facilitated by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) involving the union and airport management will reconvene on Thursday afternoon in an attempt to reach a deal.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Prestwick airport management have one last chance before their rock bottom pay offer results in strike action.

“Our members deserve the public’s support in this battle, and we will fully support them in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer, added: “Unite’s members have overwhelmingly backed strike action because they are angry and frustrated. Talks are set to reconvene with Prestwick Airport management this week (Thursday) but we are not hopeful.”

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