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Aberdeen Airport strike: Holidaymakers could face widespread disruption

EasyJet Airbus on the runway
EasyJet Airbus on the runway

Holidaymakers could face “widespread disruption” and delays this summer if airport workers vote in favour of strike action.

Thousands of people may have to rearrange scheduled trips if the strikes at Aberdeen International Airport – planned for May, June and July – cannot be averted.

Unite will ask members next week if they wish to strike over an ongoing row over their final pension scheme, as well as a proposed 1.8% pay increase.

Glasgow and Southampton airport staff will also be balloted, with all three facilities part of the AGS Airports Limited Group.

The news comes as air traffic controllers in the north prepare for their first round of industrial action on Monday.

They want a 10% salary increase to bring them in line with private sector colleagues across the country – but the Scottish Government, who own Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial) insist the pay rise recently implemented for all airport staff was “significant” and “fair”.

If talks to end the deadlock are not successful over the weekend, the controllers will work-to-rule on Monday. A a 24-hour strike is planned on April 26, threatening travel chaos across the north for families, businesses and tourists.

In Aberdeen, firefighters, security and airside staff are among those who could strike over the summer.


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Unite say their members are unhappy about the offer for a 1.8% pay rise, which union chiefs have described as “derisory”.

Regional industrial officer Shauna Wright said: “Alongside the proposed closure to the final salary pension scheme, it is a shameful attack on the workforce.

“Aberdeen Airport is asking our members to take a real terms pay cut, while the airport, through the hard work of the workforce, enjoys a near doubling of their profits over the year.

“Unite is balloting our membership on industrial action which, if successful, will take place over the summer period causing widespread disruption. We will support our members every step of the way.”

Aberdeen South MP, Ross Thomson, warned that a strike could be “calamitous”.

He said: “I worry that a lot of people are going to be bitterly disappointed if the union members vote to strike in summer.

“I hope members will understand how calamitous the wrong decisions could be for holidaymakers and business across the north-east.”

Gordon MP, Colin Clark, added: “This is the last thing Aberdeen Airport travellers need.

“The recent reduction in Aberdeen flights is already causing major inconvenience.

“I would encourage management to resolve the dispute before it ruins holiday plans.”

In January, airport chiefs issued a 60-day consultation on closing the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme which, Unite claims has broken an Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) agreement made in 2016 to keep the scheme open to existing members.

Last night, a spokeswoman for Aberdeen International Airport said they were “disappointed” strike action was being considered and added: “We have made an offer that is entirely fair and reasonable against a backdrop of a considerable loss of routes in 2018-19, along with wider challenges within the industry.

“We are currently consulting on our proposal to close our final salary (defined benefit) pension scheme.

“With employer contributions scheduled to rise significantly, it is simply no longer affordable.

“To suggest we have broken any agreements with Unite in regards to the company’s pension arrangements is simply incorrect. We are of course open to continuing discussions to reach a resolution acceptable to all parties.”

The ballot will open on Friday and close on April 23. If strike action is chosen, it is expected to take place between May, June and July.