Unite warns of strike action at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports

Trade union Unite has said nearly 700 workers across Edinburgh and Glasgow airports are set to strike this summer, with Aberdeen-based members currently also locked in a pay dispute.

About 370 workers employed by Edinburgh Airport Limited voted for strike action, the union said, while about 320 Glasgow-based workers employed by ICTS and Menzies Aviation made the same decision after rejecting “unacceptable pay offers”.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Workers across Scotland’s largest airports have overwhelmingly backed summer strikes. This is a direct result of their very profitable employers’ refusal to make a fair pay offer.

“The workers have no other option and the blame for this situation lies entirely with wealthy companies choosing to boost profits before people.”

A spokesperson for Menzies Aviation said the company hoped an “amicable resolution” could be reached soon, adding that a “fair and workable offer” had been offered. The spokesperson said contingency plans were in place to minimise disruption if strikes go ahead.

Edinburgh Airport Limited and ICTS have also been contacted for comment.

Unite, which said it would announce strike dates in the coming days, warned the action would coincide with peak summer travel, as well as the Fifa World Cup and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. 

About 70 ICTS workers at Aberdeen Airport are taking part in a ballot which will close  on May 28.

Unite industrial officer Carrie Donoghue said: “Strikes will severely disrupt planes and passengers during an extremely busy period with the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and summer holidays. 

“The companies need to reflect on their workers’ anger and frustration shown by the willingness to take strike action and get back round the table with improved pay offers.” 

The Menzies Aviation spokesperson said: “We are disappointed the union has progressed industrial action in an attempt to disrupt flights at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports this summer. 

“We have engaged constructively throughout and put forward a fair and workable offer for all parties that recognises 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. We hope an amicable resolution can be reached soon.

“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.”