Staff at Aberdeen International Airport will take industrial action later this month following an announcement from Unite the union.
Two further dates of strikes will take place on June 27 and 28, both commencing from 4am until 8am.
The dispute centres on a pay claim and AGS Airports Limited group closing the defined benefit pension scheme. This broke an Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) Agreement made in 2016 to keep the scheme open to existing members, despite Aberdeen Airport increasing after tax profits from £10.7 million in 2016 to £19.1 million in 2017.
Unite confirmed that Aberdeen Airport management made a repackaged 3% pay offer for 2019 yesterday, which mirrors the one tabled in negotiations through Acas in April.
Critically, AGS in the latest approach restated their unwillingness to discuss or reopen the consultation on closing the pension scheme, which sets unacceptable preconditions for any further negotiations with Unite.
Previous strike action took place on 7 and 10 June that included two 12-hour stoppages.
In April, Unite members at Aberdeen Airport supported strike action by 88.3% on a 79.5% turnout over the pay claim and the proposals to close the final salary pension scheme.
Shauna Wright, Unite regional industrial officer, said: “Unite members will now undertake two further days of industrial action at Aberdeen Airport following this latest pitiful attempt to divide and conquer by AGS.
“We want the public to understand that our members do not take this action lightly. But, AGS have repeatedly set preconditions to any negotiations by stating they will not reopen the consultation on the pension scheme, which breaks our Acas agreement with them.”
She added: “Unite members remain strong and resolute, and they are determined to stand united with their fellow members in Glasgow who are facing the same attack on their pay and pension scheme by AGS.
“For the record, Unite wants to reaffirm that we are always open to meaningful negotiations to seek a remedy to this dispute at any time, any place and under any auspices. The ball is in AGS’ court.”
Aberdeen Airport is part of AGS Airports Limited group, which also owns Glasgow where a series of industrial stoppages are taking pace over the coming days.
