Potential Travel Chaos as Strikes Loom at Glasgow Airport
Holidaymakers may face significant disruptions this summer as a major union threatens strike action at one of Scotland’s most active airports. The Unite union has raised concerns about the potential for flight cancellations and passenger inconvenience if demands for better pay are not met by workers at Glasgow Airport.
Over 450 employees could walk out in protest, with disputes involving three key companies operating at the airport. During peak season, the airport handles hundreds of thousands of travelers heading abroad, making the situation particularly sensitive.
Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, highlighted the scale of the issue, stating that “hundreds of workers are involved in disputes at the airport.” She added, “Summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers remains on the cards.” Graham emphasized that the companies involved are highly profitable and should be able to offer fair terms to their employees.
The union is representing staff from Glasgow Airport, ICTS Central Search, and Swissport. These groups are engaged in ongoing conflicts over wages, working conditions, and other employment-related issues.
At Glasgow Airport, 98.7% of workers voted in favor of strike action following the rejection of a 4% pay offer by 100 employees. This decision reflects growing dissatisfaction among the workforce, who feel they are not being adequately compensated for their work.
Meanwhile, around 350 workers employed by both Swissport and ICTS Central Search are also involved in disputes with their respective employers. While only Glasgow Airport staff have officially approved strike action so far, the possibility of further walkouts during the busiest time of the year remains a concern.
Pat McIlvogue, an industrial officer for Unite, warned that “strike action has moved a step closer after our Glasgow Airport Limited members emphatically backed industrial action.” He expressed concerns that the airport’s new management is pushing for a confrontation that could result in large-scale strikes during the peak holiday season.
Glasgow Airport employs a diverse range of workers, including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers. The union claims that these employees are facing unfair treatment and inadequate compensation.
In addition to the issues at Glasgow Airport, 250 workers at ICTS Central Search are currently involved in a dispute over pay, working conditions, and understaffing. They are being balloted on a pay offer that includes basic pay, shift allowances, and overtime rates.
More than 100 employees at Swissport, the largest ground handler in the country, are also in conflict with their employer. Issues include working rotas, work-life balance, and health and safety concerns. Unite claims that its members there are dealing with chronic fatigue and understaffing, which has led to significant strain on the workforce.
Swissport provides essential ground handling services, including ticketing and baggage handling. A consultative ballot on a new offer to address these concerns has been put forward, but if it is rejected, Unite warns that a full industrial action ballot will follow.
Sharon Graham, who has held her position since August 2021, stated, “Employers at Glasgow Airport will not get away with underpaying or mistreating Unite’s members.”
The threat of strikes comes just months after AGS Airports, the company that owns Glasgow Airport, was acquired by AviAlliance in a £1.53 billion deal. This change in ownership has raised questions about the future direction of the airport and its treatment of employees.
During the summer, Glasgow serves as a major departure point for Scottish travelers heading to popular destinations such as the Spanish Costas, the Algarve in Portugal, and Orlando in the United States. Last year, the airport handled approximately 600,000 passengers in just three weeks.
Glasgow Airport, ICTS Central Search, and Swissport have all been contacted for comment, but no official response has been provided yet. As the situation continues to develop, the potential for widespread disruption looms large, raising concerns for both employees and travelers alike.
