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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Adam Robertson

Staff at Prestwick Airport secure improved pay deal following dispute

Staff at Prestwick Airport have secured an improved pay deal

UNITE has confirmed that its members based at Prestwick Airport have voted to accept an improved pay offer.

The trade union has said they have secured improvements to the pay, terms and conditions of over 80 members. 

On average, workers will receive a pay uplift of around £1500 and for some workers up to £2000 over the year. 

Unite represents workers including airport security, firefighters, airfield operators, ground crew, ground handling, cargo, customer services, and cleaners at Prestwick Airport.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has secured significant improvements for our members at Prestwick Airport which is worth for some workers up to £2000 more in their annual pay. 

“The deal only came about because our members took the brave stance of taking strike action. 

“They should be proud of their action in securing this deal which has delivered better jobs, pay and conditions.”

The pay deal follows weeks of negotiations facilitated by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) involving both parties. 

By a 78% on an 84% turnout, Unite members supported strike action at the airport in July. 

Prestwick is a cargo base and hosts a number of military flights and refuels from North America, along with domestic and international commercial flights. 

Unite suspended strike action which was scheduled to take place on August 12 to allow talks to continue which eventually led to the new offer being put forward by Prestwick Airport management. 

Unite industrial officer Siobhan McCready said: “We are pleased to secure a deal which achieves our main objectives at Prestwick Airport.

“Basic pay, sick pay, holidays and call-out payments have all been improved along with all workers at the airport receiving a minimum the real living wage. 

“The dispute is now over and our members should be congratulated to stand up for themselves.”

The airport was taken into public ownership in November 2013 after being purchased by the Scottish Government for £1. 

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