Holiday flight disruption at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports threatened after 700 workers back strikes

The Unite union said dates for industrial action would be announced “in the coming days” but they were expected to be “during the peak of the summer holiday rush” next month.

Pay disputes involving strike ballots are common at the airports at this time of year but are often resolved before any strikes go ahead.

However, the uncertainty caused by threats of disruption can prompt some passengers to change their travel plans.

Unite said nearly 700 union members had backed walkouts in ballots which closed on Thursday involving three companies at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.

These involve some 370 workers employed directly by Edinburgh Airport and 320 by security firm ICTS and ground services firm Menzies Aviation at Glasgow Airport.

Those affected in Edinburgh include airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers.

In Glasgow, the staff involved are 150 dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers at Menzies Aviation along with 170 at ICTS who work in security search areas.

A separate ballot over pay involving some 70 ICTS workers at Aberdeen airport is due to close next Thursday.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Workers across Scotland’s largest airports have overwhelmingly backed summer strike action.

“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."

Unite industrial officer Carrie Donoghue 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 spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said on Thursday: “Constructive talks on pay were held today with [conciliation service] Acas between Edinburgh Airport and its unions, including Unite. Further talks are planned for early next week.”

A spokesperson for 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.”

An ICTS spokesperson said: “We are in active pay discussions with our colleagues at Glasgow Airport and have tabled a pay offer significantly above inflation, with further meetings scheduled.

“This follows a substantial pay increase awarded to colleagues last year.

“Robust contingency plans are in place to ensure passenger safety and service continuity, and we are confident in our ability to maintain full operations.”