A trade union has warned travel “chaos” is on the cards at Glasgow airport this summer after security staff rejected a pay offer.
Unite said 94% of around 250 workers for security firm ICTS at the airport voted against a “derisory” 5% rise.
Pat McIlvogue, a regional industrial office for Unite, suggested that strike action might eventually be taken by the workers, whose tasks include roles in the security search area.
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McIlvogue said: “Unless the company improves upon its current offer then Glasgow airport faces a summer of travel chaos because it simply can’t operate safely and efficiently without these essential workers. We are encouraging ICTS to heed the warning before this dispute escalates potentially to strike action.”
The union said the 5% pay offer equated to a real-terms pay cut, pointing to inflation figures published this week showing RPI at 13.5%.
As well as working in the security area at Glasgow airport, the ICTS staff cover mobile patrols, control access posts, screen all deliveries and deal with emergency services, according to the union.
Unite said it would have “no option” but to move towards an industrial ballot if the company does not significantly improve its pay offer.
McIlvogue branded the offer “derisory” and said it “represents a massive pay cut in real terms”.
The trade union said that last summer it secured an increase for the workers of up to 15% from £10 to £11.50 per hour.
A spokesperson for ICTS said: “Constructive pay talks with our staff at Glasgow airport are ongoing. Generous pay proposals have been tabled that would give staff increases of between 14% and 26.2% over the past two years.
“We would like to reassure the travelling public that their security is our priority and there will be no disruptions.”
Glasgow airport has also been contacted for comment.