Headway made in North air traffic control dispute
Members of the Prospect union are to suspend action at airports operated by HIAL
A breakthrough has been made between Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) and the Prospect union in their dispute over the operator's planned air traffic management strategy (ATMS).
The union has now agreed to suspend all industrial action with talks between the two parties on the best way forward, mutually agreeable between them both.
The discussions will focus on:
• The introduction of a surveillance programme across the HIAL network with surveillance services provided for Stornoway, Sumburgh, Kirkwall, Inverness, and Dundee airports from a combined surveillance centre in Inverness.
• The phasing out of procedural air traffic control services and the adoption of more modern and widely used techniques, practiced globally.
• Air traffic services being provided locally at Stornoway, Sumburgh, Kirkwall and Dundee for the duration of the surveillance programme, with air traffic control for Inverness being provided remotely from the combined surveillance centre.
• A review of air traffic provision against a scope, agreed by HIAL and Prospect, to inform the next steps of the programme. The review to be undertaken at the end of the surveillance programme, or at five years, whichever is soonest.
• It has been agreed that further separate talks will take place on air traffic services for Benbecula and Wick John O’Groats airports.
David Avery from Prospect said: “We welcome the decision of the HIAL board to work with their staff and communities to find a solution which not only delivers safety improvements but also protects local jobs and services.
Inglis Lyon, HIAL’s MD said: “This marks a significant and positive step. We are pleased that Prospect has suspended the industrial action. This will allow the discussions to move forward without further disruption to our passengers and airlines.
“This compromise will help both parties minimise the impact of the air traffic management programme on our communities and colleagues whilst continuing with key elements of the modernisation programme.
”Our airports provide lifeline and essential services and ensuring a safe and resilient air traffic management system that will future proof our airports remain our priority. The work we will undertake over the next few months will help us meet that objective.
“While there is much work to do before we have a final proposal, we are pleased with the progress that has been made. It is important that we have the time and space to continue these constructive talks and develop the proposal.”