Nearly 700 airport workers in Edinburgh and Glasgow have voted in favor of strike action during the peak summer holiday season, including the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Unite the union announced on Thursday that strike dates will be revealed in the coming days, with industrial action expected to coincide with these major events.
Workers Back Strike Action
Approximately 370 employees of Edinburgh Airport Limited, along with about 320 workers employed by ICTS and Menzies Aviation in Glasgow, have supported strike action amid ongoing pay disputes. Unite stated that ICTS workers are directly involved in passenger security screening and processing.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham commented: “Workers across Scotland’s largest airports have overwhelmingly backed summer strike action. 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.”
Responses from Employers
A Menzies Aviation spokesperson expressed disappointment: “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 that recognizes 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. We hope an amicable resolution can be reached soon. Should industrial action take place, we have robust contingency plans to minimize disruption.”
An Edinburgh Airport spokesman said: “Constructive talks on pay were held today with Acas between Edinburgh Airport and its unions, including Unite. Further talks are planned for early next week.”
A spokesperson for AGS Airports added: “We are aware of the regrettable developments involving Unite, Menzies and ICTS including threats to disrupt passengers’ holiday plans. Both Menzies and ICTS continue to engage in discussions with the trade union as they work to find a resolution on the pay awards.”
