Travel to this summer’s World Cup is set to be disrupted after 700 airport workers across Scotland voted for industrial action in a dispute over pay.
Unite has confirmed that the affected workers are in pay disputes with companies based at Edinburgh, and Glasgow airports.
The union will announce strike dates in the coming days with industrial action expected to occur during the peak of the summer holiday rush coinciding with the World Cup, and the Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow.
Around 370 workers employed by Edinburgh Airport Limited at the capital’s airport backed strike action over a pay dispute. In Glasgow around 320 workers employed by ICTS and Menzies Aviation are also set to strike after a majority of workers in ballots backed industrial action after the rejection of unacceptable pay offers.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Workers across Scotland’s largest airports have overwhelmingly backed summer strike. 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.”
View 2 ImagesEdinburgh Airport(Image: Getty Images)
A ballot involving approximately 70 ICTS members based at Aberdeen airport in a dispute over a further unacceptable pay offer will close on 28 May.
Carrie Donoghue, Unite industrial officer, said: “Strike dates will be set in the coming days. 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.”
A spokesperson for AGS Airports who run Glasgow Airport, said: “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.”
Article continues below
A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport 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.”
Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE