Highlands and Islands air traffic controllers have rejected a revised pay offer following a ballot by union members.
Industrial action was previously suspended by Prospect after workers were offered a revised pay deal, leading to a ballot by members to help gauge support.
Following an “overwhelming rejection”, action is expected to resume from 12.01am on June 29,with prospects of further disruption to services on the cards.
David Avery, Prospect negotiations officer, said: “Prospect members in HIAL have overwhelmingly rejected the revised pay offer made by HIAL. The work to rule which was suspended during the ballot will restart tomorrow (Saturday 29 June). Prospect will meet with Representatives on Monday to consider the ballot result prior to a meeting with HIAL on Thursday 4 July to try and resolve this dispute and reach an offer which is acceptable.”
Workers have been working–to-rule since April as disputes over pay continued.
The news comes just one-month after thousands of passengers were left stranded as a result of 24-hour strike action.
HIAL’s Managing Director Inglis Lyon, said they are “disappointed” their enhanced offer had been rejected following last-minute discussions with the union.
He said: “It is unfortunate that the industrial action has been reinstated during the peak holiday period and I would like to apologise in advance to our passengers, customers and local communities for the disruption this will inevitably cause.
“The offer was made within the parameters of the Scottish public pay policy in a bid to resolve the dispute to the satisfaction of both parties. We have encouraged Prospect to meet and discuss an alternative solution within the flexibilities afforded to the company.
“We remain committed to resolving this dispute and a meeting with Prospect will take place on Thursday 4 July.”
