Prestwick Airport workers secure pay rise of up to 18%
The new deal delivers the real Living Wage and ensures there are no more zero hour contracts for Unite the Union members
Unite the Union workers at Prestwick Airport have secured a new pay deal, which will deliver the real Living Wage and a pay rise of up to 18 per cent.
The union says the deal also delivers ‘significant improvements’ to terms and conditions for over 80 workers in roles such as airport security, firefighters, airfield operators, ground crew, ground handling, cargo, customer services, and cleaners.
A minimum pay uplift of 6 per cent
The pay deal guarantees as a minimum the real Living Wage of £10.90 per hour, and a minimum uplift of 6 per cent this year.
There is an additional cost of living payment of £750 for those earning £10.90 per hour, and £1,250 for all other employees within the bargaining unit. The deal further secures a commitment to a regrading exercise which will see many of the workers gaining a pay rise of up to 18 per cent.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has secured significant improvements to the jobs, pay and conditions of our members at Prestwick Airport. It’s a deal which is worth up to 18 per cent for some workers, and it ensures that all workers are paid the real Living Wage as a minimum. Unite does what it says on the tin: we deliver for our members.”
There is also a 4 per cent pay increase for all grades committed for next year, which is subject to review if inflation (CPI) rises above 6 per cent in January 2024.
Deal also guarantees no zero hour contracts
Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer said: “We are pleased to secure a pay deal at Prestwick Airport which delivers valuable benefits for Unite members. Basic pay, holidays and call-out payments have all been improved along with a guarantee of no zero hour contracts at the airport. All workers will also receive as a minimum the real Living Wage. It’s a deal overwhelmingly backed by our members and we are pleased to get it over the line to help them meet the cost of living crisis.”
The airport was taken into public ownership in November 2013 after being purchased by the Scottish Government for £1.