Travellers from across the Highlands are being urged to check their plans as summer strike action is set to hit Glasgow Airport later this month.
Unite the union has confirmed that over 100 key airport workers will walk out for 48 hours from 6am on Thursday 24 July to just before 6am on Saturday 26 July, amid a deepening pay dispute with Glasgow Airport Limited.
The action could disrupt passengers heading south for connections or starting their holidays from Glasgow, one of the main gateways for Highland travellers during the summer break.
The strike will involve airport ambassadors, engineers, airside support officers and managers, many of whom play a critical role in the smooth running of flights and passenger services.
The row centres on what Unite calls a “paltry” four per cent pay offer from Glasgow Airport Limited, despite the company making over £40 million in its latest accounts.
Unite says the airport’s new owners, AviAlliance, who bought AGS Airports in a £1.53 billion deal in January, have so far refused to table an improved offer prompting accusations they are “spoiling for a fight.”
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said summer disruption now looks inevitable unless management changes course.
“Our members have voted overwhelmingly to strike, and we will support them every step of the way,” she said.
A staggering 98.7 per cent of union members backed industrial action, saying the offer falls far short of rising living costs and doesn’t reflect the airport’s profits.
The news comes as other pay rows at Glasgow Airport are being resolved, including a new deal for 250 ICTS central search staff who process passengers through security.
Those workers have secured a five per cent basic increase, with Unite highlighting that over 700 staff across other airport employers including Menzies, Falck, ABM and OCS have now reached agreements.
Unite’s Pat McIlvogue criticised Glasgow Airport Limited for standing alone in escalating the dispute.
“This is the most profitable company at the airport, yet they’re offering the lowest pay increase,” he said.
“Other employers have come to the table and reached deals, this one seems more interested in confrontation than resolution.”
The potential disruption adds to an already tense summer, with over 100 Swissport workers still in dispute over rotas, work-life balance and safety.
Swissport staff handle baggage and check-in for a number of major airlines used by Highland passengers.
A consultative ballot on a new Swissport offer is underway and due to close on 14 July, with the possibility of further strike action if workers reject the deal.
Highland passengers planning to fly through Glasgow later this month are being encouraged to check with airlines and allow extra time for journeys.
With schools on break and the summer getaway in full swing, any disruption could have a ripple effect far beyond the terminal gates.
