Potential strike action at two of Scotland’s busiest airports during the critical summer holiday period has been successfully averted following the agreement of new pay deals between Unite the Union and airport operators. These resolutions aim to prevent widespread travel disruption coinciding with the World Cup and Commonwealth Games.
At Edinburgh Airport, more than 400 employees of Edinburgh Airport Ltd have ratified a comprehensive two-year agreement, according to Unite. This follows a ballot where workers had previously endorsed strike action.
The newly accepted offer, which Unite stated was “overwhelmingly” backed by its members, includes a pay increase of £1,800 or 5.5%, whichever figure is greater, for 2026. Additionally, the agreement incorporates enhancements to shift pay, sickness benefits, and paternity leave. For 2027, workers are set to receive an increase equivalent to 4% or the Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation rate plus 0.5%, effective from January.
Similarly, the threat of industrial action at Glasgow Airport, which could have significantly impacted travel during the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games (scheduled from July 23 to August 2), has been withdrawn. Deals were reached for nearly 400 workers employed by ICTS and Menzies Aviation.
Approximately 230 ICTS personnel, involved in security search areas and passenger processing, have approved a two-year pay deal. This package features a 5% increase in basic pay and shift allowances, backdated to 1 January 2026, alongside a one-off bank holiday. A further increase of RPI plus 1% on basic and shift pay, with improved terms and conditions, will apply from 1 January 2027.
Ground services staff from Menzies Aviation, numbering around 160, accepted a one-year deal comprising a 4.4% rise backdated to January, followed by a minimum 5% increase, potentially reaching 11.1% for some, from 1 July.
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In Aberdeen, Unite has also successfully negotiated agreements for workers under ICTS central search and Aberdeen Airport Ltd, thereby averting strikes previously threatened. Roughly 70 administrative staff, airfield operators, technicians, firefighters, and crew commanders employed by Aberdeen Airport Limited secured a 4.2% pay rise in a one-year deal.
Separately, approximately 70 ICTS central search workers at Aberdeen Airport have backed a two-year pay deal, including a 5% increase in basic pay and shift allowances backdated to 1 January, plus a one-off bank holiday. These workers are set to receive RPI plus 1% from 1 January 2027.
However, an industrial action ballot concerning ICTS HBS security staff at Aberdeen Airport remains active. This ballot is scheduled to close tomorrow, 17 June 2026, with no new pay offer having been presented to these staff since their rejection of a previous proposal.
