Scottish Airport Workers Ballot for Potential Strike
Scottish airport workers are set to vote on strike action this summer, which could disrupt travel during the World Cup and Commonwealth Games.
The Unite union announced that 900 workers across Scotland will participate in a ballot regarding industrial action amid a pay dispute with companies operating at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow airports.
If approved, the strike could occur during the busy summer holiday period, coinciding with the World Cup in June—when many Scots are expected to travel to the US—and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August.
Dispute Involves Multiple Firms
The dispute concerns employees at three separate companies: ICTS, Menzies Aviation, and Edinburgh Airport Ltd.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated:
"Hundreds of workers across Scotland's largest airports are heading towards summer strike action.
The companies involved are all highly profitable. They can easily afford to give our members fair and reasonable pay offers but have decided to put boosting profits before people."
Last week, Unite revealed that approximately 170 ICTS workers at Glasgow Airport are being balloted for industrial action following the rejection of a pay offer.
Additionally, about 70 ICTS members based at Aberdeen Airport are now being asked to vote. ICTS provides staff for search areas and other security roles.
Approximately 370 employees from Edinburgh Airport Ltd—including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers—will also participate in the vote, alongside roughly 280 ground services crew employed by Menzies Aviation.
ICTS, Menzies Aviation, and Edinburgh Airport Ltd have been contacted for comment.
Union Comments on Potential Impact
Unite industrial officer Carrie Donoghue commented on the possible consequences of strike action:
"Any strike action would ground planes and passengers during an expectedly busy period with the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games."
"The blame for this situation arising will lie entirely with these extremely wealthy companies. They can end these disputes immediately, and in doing so they can give the travelling public peace of mind."
Airport Response and Ballot Deadlines
A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport said last week:
"We are aware of ongoing talks between Unite and ICTS and are keen to ensure that this dialogue results in a positive resolution."
The ballots for four groups will close on 21 May, while ICTS staff at Aberdeen will have until 28 May to cast their votes.
