Potential Disruption for UK Travelers as Glasgow Airport Workers Plan Strikes
UK holidaymakers may soon face significant disruptions if 450 workers at Glasgow Airport proceed with planned strike actions. The potential strikes have raised concerns, especially during the busy summer months when many travelers are planning their trips.
Glasgow Airport, Scotland’s second-largest hub, has been dealing with disputes over pay and working conditions for several months. An overwhelming majority of union members—98.7%—have supported industrial action, which could occur in the coming weeks. The strikes involve three key companies operating at the airport: Swissport, ICTS Central Search, and Glasgow Airport Ltd.
Disputes Among Key Staff Members
The first group of workers involved in the dispute is from Glasgow Airport Ltd. Around 100 employees, including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers, rejected a proposed four per cent pay increase. Unite, the union representing these workers, highlighted that the company reported a profit of £40.65 million in its latest accounts. This has led to growing tensions between the workers and the employer.
Meanwhile, approximately 250 workers from ICTS Central Search are also involved in an ongoing dispute. Their concerns include understaffing, poor working conditions, and inadequate pay. These staff members interact directly with passengers in the security search area, so any strike action could result in long delays and further complications for travelers.
Swissport, the country’s largest ground handler, has 100 workers in dispute over working rotas, work-life balance, and health and safety issues. A consultative ballot on a new offer has been launched by Swissport, with results due on Monday, July 14. If the offer is rejected, Unite plans to initiate a full industrial action ballot. Swissport reported profits of £17.6 million in its latest recorded accounts.
Recent Resolutions and Ongoing Negotiations
Not all disputes are unresolved. A separate issue involving 300 Menzies Aviation workers was recently resolved after the union negotiated a deal that includes a minimum four per cent pay increase for new starters and up to 10 per cent for existing workers based on their grades. Additionally, 50 Falck firefighters who handle fire safety at the airport have reached an agreement following a basic wage increase of 4.5 per cent.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham emphasized the importance of fair treatment for workers. “Employers at Glasgow Airport will not get away with underpaying or mistreating Unite’s members,” she stated. “Hundreds of workers are involved in disputes at the airport. Summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers remains on the cards. These highly profitable companies can easily afford to put the minds of the travelling public at rest by making fair offers to workers.”
Impact on Travel During the Summer Season
Last year, Glasgow Airport handled a record number of passengers—8,067,685 in 2024—a 9.63 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The airport serves 82 destinations across 28 countries and offers 20 domestic flights. If all three companies proceed with their planned strikes, the school holiday season could quickly turn into chaos for travelers.
A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport stated, “We are reviewing the ballot results and remain open to finding a sensible resolution.” Similarly, a representative from Swissport added, “Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our workforce, alongside maintaining high standards of service for our customers. We remain committed to working constructively with Unite to find a fair and sustainable resolution.”
The media outlet has approached ICTS Central Search for comment.
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