Edinburgh Airport is facing the possibility of significant disruptions during the peak festive season as tanker drivers threaten to strike over a pay dispute. The industrial action, if it proceeds, could potentially ground flights and cause widespread chaos for holiday travellers.
Unite, the union representing the tanker drivers employed by North Air, has warned that its members are “on the verge of taking strike action” over Christmas and New Year. The dispute centres around what the union describes as years of below-inflation pay increases, with workers rejecting a recent 4.5 percent pay offer.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, emphasised the company’s financial position, stating: “North Air is a profitable company and there is no excuse for not making an improved pay offer to our tanker drivers.”
Unite’s industrial officer, Carrie Binnie, said: “If strike action happens, which would cause widespread disruption over the festive season, then it’s on North Air’s heads. They are choosing to escalate this dispute, rather than choosing to resolve it which they could do easily. Unless the company quickly comes to its senses, we will have no option but to issue strike dates in the coming days.”
The potential strike action could have far-reaching consequences, affecting both domestic and international flights. Airlines that could be impacted include Loganair, Emirates, and United.
While Edinburgh Airport has declined to comment on the situation, describing it as a matter for North Air, the threat of disruption looms large over the busy holiday travel period.
Passengers planning to fly from Edinburgh during this time are advised to stay informed about potential developments and be aware of their rights in case of flight cancellations or delays.
It’s worth noting that in many cases, such disputes are resolved before industrial action begins, or have minimal impact due to management stepping in to perform essential tasks. However, the scarcity of spare seats during the holiday season could exacerbate any potential disruptions, making it crucial for all parties involved to reach a resolution swiftly.
