Holidaymakers at Scots Airport Face Disruption This Month

Thousands of holidaymakers are facing major disruption at a Scots airport this month. Unite the union confirmed 100 workers are set to walk out in a dispute over pay.

Last week, 98.7 per cent of Unite members at Glasgow Airport voted in favour of industrial action after rejecting a 4 per cent pay rise. The union said it made repeated offers to restart negotiations with management but has been told that no new pay offer will be made.

The workers include airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers. Members will go on strike for 48 hours from 6am on Thursday, July 24, until 6am on Saturday, July 26.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: \"Summer strike action is now inevitable unless Glasgow Airport’s new owners come to their senses. We will support our members every step of the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.\"

Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, added: \"Glasgow Airport Limited is making the lowest pay offer despite it being the most profitable company at the airport. It is the only company escalating a dispute and they seem to be spoiling for a fight rather than trying to resolve the dispute.\"

Meanwhile, more than 100 Swissport workers remain in a dispute over working rotas, work-life balance, and health and safety concerns. Workers provide ground handling services to many major airlines, including ticketing and baggage handling.

A consultative ballot on a new offer made by Swissport closes on July 14. If this offer is rejected, Unite said it will launch a full industrial action ballot.

A spokesperson for AGS Airports, which manages Glasgow Airport, said: \"We are extremely disappointed with Unite’s decision to serve notice of industrial action. We have been in talks with Unite since March during which time we have made several improved and fair offers against a backdrop of a challenging operating environment. We have tabled an offer of 4 per cent, which represents an above-inflation pay increase. Despite reaching agreement with 80 per cent of our staff across AGS Airports over pay, our offer has been rejected by 75 members of staff at Glasgow Airport who, through Unite, have informed us they wish to embark on strike action. We will now proceed with our contingency plans to ensure we minimise any disruption for our airlines and passengers.\"

According to the source: The Scottish Sun.