Scottish airport workers threaten summer strike in pay row

Workers at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports have threatened a summer strike in a row over pay.

Around 600 workers including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers have rejected two separate pay offers by Menzies Aviation at each airport, according to the Unite union.

About 300 Menzies Aviation staff rejected a basic uplift worth around 4.25% at Glasgow airport.

Around 300 workers based at Edinburgh airport also rejected an offer worth around 4%. 

The Menzies ground handling and passenger services workers provide support for carriers including American Airlines, British Airways, Aer Lingus, Emirates,

Lufthansa, Loganair, United and Air Transat. 

Unite industrial officer Carrie Binnie said: “Summer strike action looms over Edinburgh and Glasgow airports because the pay offers on the table from Menzies Aviation aren’t good enough. 

“Menzies Aviation has the ability to improve its offers and they can easily resolve this pay dispute without any disruption to the travelling public. 

“If the company fail to table a better offer to our members, Unite will have no option but to ballot our members for strikes over the summer holidays.”   

Phil Lloyd, UK senior vice-president at Menzies Aviation, said: “Following the rejection of recent pay award proposals, we remain committed to seeking a resolution. 

"We have invited Unite to return to the table to continue discussions this week and hope to reach an agreement which is workable for both the business and our employees at both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

"We will continue to work to pursue an agreeable solution to protect services for our airline and airport partners and their customers."