Holidaymakers travelling through Glasgow Airport this summer could face significant disruption as more than 800 workers across five companies threaten to strike over ongoing pay and working condition disputes.
Unite the union has warned that unless meaningful progress is made in negotiations within the next fortnight, ballots for industrial action will proceed – potentially grounding flights and causing chaos for thousands of passengers at the height of the travel season.
The dispute involves staff from Glasgow Airport Limited, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation, and Falck, with grievances ranging from pay to rotas, work-life balance, and staffing levels.
Swissport workers are particularly concerned with rotas and work-life balance, while ICTS Central Search employees cite under-staffing, poor working conditions, and inadequate pay. Firefighters employed by Falck and other airport staff have rejected a 3.6% pay increase, and Menzies Aviation workers turned down a 4.25% uplift, arguing that these offers fall short of inflation and fail to address the pressures of their roles.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, has accused the companies of prioritising profits over fair wages, stating, “The companies involved are all very profitable and can easily provide our members with improved pay and working conditions.”
Pat Mcilvogue, a Unite representative, highlighted that the issues extend beyond salary, saying, “Our members are overstretched at the airport and experiencing fatigue. There are issues with scheduling, disorganisation of tasks, and insufficient staffing levels.”
Airport management and the companies involved have responded by expressing their commitment to resolving the dispute. Glasgow Airport stated it remains in “continuous discussions with Unite regarding a pay agreement for our direct workforce.”
Menzies Aviation has indicated it has made an “improved offer” and is focused on reaching a solution that protects both its employees and the airport’s operations.
Unite has called on the companies to return to the negotiating table and table substantial offers, warning that there is still time to avert strike action and the resulting travel disruption.
“Let’s collaborate with Unite to prevent any disruptions for travellers in July. We have over a month to resolve this before any potential actions are initiated,” Mcilvogue urged.
The looming threat of industrial action comes as Glasgow Airport prepares for its busiest months, with around 800,000 passengers passing through each month last summer.
With the summer getaway fast approaching, travellers are being warned to monitor developments closely as negotiations continue
