Potential travel disruptions loom this summer as a union has raised concerns about 900 airport employees planning to vote on taking industrial action due to a disagreement over wages. The aviation trade union Unite disclosed that multiple ballots are set to open this week to decide on potential strike action during the summer months due to payment disputes with companies operating at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow airports.
Should the ballot prove successful, the strike action could commence at the peak of the summer holiday season, coinciding with the Commonwealth Games scheduled in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2 and the World Cup in the United States. The voting for four of the ballots will conclude on May 21, while ICTS staff at Aberdeen have until May 28 to cast their votes.
Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, emphasized, “Hundreds of workers at Scotland’s major airports are moving towards participating in summer strike activity. Despite being highly profitable, the involved companies have chosen to prioritize profit over fair and just wage offers for our members.”
Unite highlighted that ICTS employees handle passenger interactions in security search zones, facilitate flight processing, manage access points, conduct mobile patrols, and inspect all deliveries. The ballot also includes staff from Edinburgh Airport Limited, such as airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, managers, and approximately 280 ground services crew members employed by Menzies Aviation.
Carrie Donoghue, Unite’s industrial officer, warned, “Any potential strike action could disrupt flights and passengers during a busy period coinciding with the World Cup and Commonwealth Games. The responsibility for this situation lies solely with these financially robust companies. They have the power to promptly resolve these disputes, thereby providing peace of mind to the traveling public.”
Last week, a spokesperson from Glasgow Airport stated, “We are monitoring the ongoing discussions between Unite and ICTS and are committed to facilitating a constructive outcome through this dialogue.”
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