Security staff at Aberdeen Airport have overwhelmingly backed industrial action in a dispute over pay – despite strike threats being lifted at Scotland’s other major airports.
Members of Unite employed by ICTS HBS voted unanimously in favour of industrial action, raising the prospect of disruption at Aberdeen unless an improved offer is tabled.
The development comes after Unite members at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports accepted enhanced pay deals, bringing an end to the threat of summer walkouts which could have hit holidaymakers, World Cup flights and the Commonwealth Games.
At Glasgow Airport, nearly 400 workers employed by ICTS and Menzies Aviation accepted revised offers after initially rejecting what Unite described as “unacceptable” pay proposals.
More than 400 Edinburgh Airport workers also agreed a two-year deal, securing a minimum pay increase of £1,800 this year and a 5.5 per cent rise in 2026.
Two groups of workers at Aberdeen Airport last week agreed pay settlements, averting industrial action. However, security staff employed by ICTS HBS have now voted in favour of strike action, meaning disruption at the airport remains a possibility.
As reported by the BBC, Paula Buchan, Unite industrial officer, said: “Our ICTS HBS security members have unanimously backed industrial action.
“Imminent talks are scheduled with the employer and we await an improved pay offer to potentially resolve this dispute before strike action.”
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The union said discussions with the company are due to take place in the coming days in a bid to secure a breakthrough and avoid any walkouts.
Earlier this week, Unite welcomed improved deals for workers at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, saying the settlements removed the threat of disruption during one of the busiest periods of the year for Scotland’s aviation sector.
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