WORKERS at Glasgow Airport have brought a pay dispute to an end after voting overwhelmingly to accept an improved pay offer.
Unite confirmed on Friday, July 14, workers employed by OCS Group at the airport had voted to accept a substantial 11.11% uplift in pay.
OCS Group employees aid passengers with reduced mobility, including assisting passengers with wheelchairs and ambilift vehicles.
The key group of workers had voted to take strike action in July during the school summer holidays due to the dispute over pay.
Workers have now accepted an 11.11% increase in pay in a two-year deal which will see them achieve the Real Living Wage plus 10p in year one resulting in the lowest grade being paid £11 per hour.
The increase will be applied across all pay grades.
Year two will see an increase in pay by offering 20p above the 2024/25 UK Real Living Wage and will be applied as a percentage increase across all grades, maintaining the skill and job role differentials.
There is also a commitment to carry out a full-time contract review offering a minimum of 10 full-time contracts by the end of 2023 and a further commitment to reopen talks if the Real Living Wage fails to reach £11.25.
Around 80 Unite members voted by 76.7% to accept the offer on a 94% turnout.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: "Unite’s members at OCS have secured this significantly improved wage offer because they stood firm and were prepared to take action to deliver improved pay.
"This is yet another win for Unite members at Glasgow Airport.
"This deal has been achieved through negotiation which is how it should be.
"These wins, which will enhance the jobs, pay and conditions of our members during this cost of living crisis, would not have been delivered if it was not for a determined workforce and fighting back union."
Pat McIlvogue, Unite regional officer, added: "The deal at OCS delivers enhancements to pay, terms and working conditions.
"This deal along with others delivered at Glasgow Airport has been achieved through the tenacity and solidarity of our members at the airport.
"This deal will put money back in the pockets of our members; a welcome enhancement to pay as living costs soar.
"However, it’s equally clear that this deal would not have been achieved without our members demonstrating to OCS that they were willing to fight for a better deal through supporting strike action if necessary.
"We are glad that it didn’t need to come to that this time around."
