Staff at Glasgow Airport could go on strike amid pay disputes.

Unite has confirmed that ballots will open next week for 300 ICTS central search members based at Glasgow and Aberdeen airports.

They claim scheduled talks with management were cancelled at the last minute, and now the union is calling on the airport owner AGS to intervene in an escalating pay dispute. 

Ballots at both airports will open on Monday, June 17 and close on Monday, July 1. If successful, strike action could begin in mid-July at the peak of the summer holiday rush. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has repeatedly warned ICTS that our members at Aberdeen and Glasgow airports are on the verge of taking strike action due to the greed of an extremely profitable company.

"Our members have been left with no option but to fight for a fair pay offer because the company is refusing to give them one.” 

"Unite will back our ICTS members every step of the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.” 

ICTS workers have rejected a pay increase of 4% backdated to January 2024 and a £500 one-off payment.   

The company employs around 220 workers at Glasgow Airport, and they deal with passengers directly in the security search areas and process them for flights.

The staff also cover mobile patrols, control access posts, screen all deliveries and deal with emergency services. 

Pat McIlvogue, Unite’s lead industrial officer for the aviation sector in Scotland, said: “ICTS cancelled talks at the last minute with Unite which shows how much it cares about their workforce and the travelling public. 

"Unite is now calling on AGS which owns and operates both Aberdeen and Glasgow airports to intervene because shockingly ICTS can’t even be bothered to meet us.

"Unite has made it clear that there should be a pay offer on the table which reflects the importance of our members’ jobs, and we believe AGS recognise this fact even if ICTS don’t. Without these workers, the airports simply can’t operate.” 

“ICTS are coining it in on the back of our members’ hard work but it is choosing to undervalue our members, and put at risk the holidays of the travelling public during the summer.” 

It comes after we reported that Unite warned of 'potential security risks' at Glasgow Airport involving ICTS central search workers due to understaffing and security staff allegedly being denied contractual breaks. 

The union says it reported growing incidents of fatigue, exhaustion, and stress due to staff allegedly working beyond six hours with no break. 

When contacted by the Glasgow Times, Glasgow Airport said the issue was a matter for ICTS. 

An ICTS spokesperson said: “Constructive pay talks with our staff at Glasgow and Aberdeen airports are ongoing.

"Generous pay proposals have been tabled that would give staff an increase as well as a lump sum payment. This is in addition to the 15-28% increases our staff have received over the last 2 years.

"We would like to reassure the travelling public that their security is our priority and there will be no disruptions."