Unite confirms summer strike action planned at Glasgow Airport

Unite union has confirmed around 320 workers employed by ICTS and Menzies Aviation at Glasgow are set to strike after a majority backed industrial action following the rejection of pay offers, that the union said were “unacceptable”.

The union said strike days will be announced in the coming days but the busy summer holiday period and events like the World Cup and Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will be targeted.

Bosses at Menzies said there will be plans in place to minimise disruption, should strikes go ahead.

In total almost 700 workers at Glasgow and Edinburgh, the country’s two biggest airports, will be involved in action.

Around 370 workers employed by Edinburgh Airport Limited also backed strike action over a pay dispute.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, 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." 

Around 150 ground services crew employed by Menzies Aviation at Glasgow set for industrial action include dispatchers, allocators, airside agents, and controllers

170 ICTS workers at Glasgow airport deal with passengers directly in the security search areas and process them for flights.

A further ballot involving around 70 ICTS members based at Aberdeen airport in another pay dispute will close on May 28. 

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 from Menzies Aviation, said: “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 for all parties that recognises 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 at Edinburgh and Glasgow. We hope an amicable resolution can be reached soon.

“Should industrial action take place, we have robust and proven contingency plans to minimise any potential disruption to our airline customers and their passengers, ensuring flights can operate as scheduled.”

A spokesperson for AGS Airports 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.”