Unite the Union has notified Highland and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL) of its intention to ballot members for industrial action following the rejection of a 5% pay offer.
Union members advised the company that they see the pay award as ‘insulting’ during the cost of living crisis. A statement pointed out that food, petrol and housing costs are higher in many of the rural communities where the companies airports are based - as well as colder weather meaning higher energy prices impact those areas more harshly during the winter.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “These workers provide a lifeline, connecting the Highlands and Islands of Scotland - the work they do is vital in maintaining these communities - they should therefore expect and deserve a pay increase that reflects that.“
Shauna Wright, Unite regional officer, added: “Our members provide a crucial role for the airport from firefighting and security to customer service, this pay award affects all our members across all grades and does nothing for the retention and the recruitment of staff on islands.
“Unite remain open to dialogue to seek a solution however all members deserve more and they deserve a pay that’s in line with the cost of living."
A statement from HIAL argued that it explored all options to make an improved pay offer, which was presented to unions PCS, Prospect and Unite.
Managing director Inglis Lyon said: “The offer was the result of an extensive exercise on cost savings and the generation of additional income to allow an enhanced pay award that was affordable from within our existing finances.
“We will now meet with union colleagues to try and reach a solution following the disappointing result.”
Strikes last year were eventually suspended after HIAL and unions agreed to establish a new way forward for the implementation of air traffic management modernisation measures.
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