HIAL Offer For Airport Security Staff

HIAL is to put an offer to the Prospect union this week aiming to resolve a dispute with airport security staff.

Workers staged a 48 hour walk out last week over pay and conditions.

The trade union said it wouldn't resume talks without a definite offer from the airport operator.

Today, it welcomed the news, saying it was pleased progress had been made.

Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL, said: “We will submit a formal offer to the union this week which we hope will provide the basis for a meaningful, constructive dialogue.

“It has always been the intention of the company to address the concerns of security staff, but it is impossible to do so under the threat of industrial action.

"Given that the 48 hour strike has now passed, without causing major disruption for passengers, we are now in a position to resume discussion.

“It is important that we resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

"The threat of further industrial action is in no one’s interests, particularly as we approach the busy summer season.

"We hope the union will set aside talk of further strike action and work with us to reach agreement.”

Alan Denney, Prospect national secretary, said: “We are pleased that management has made progress in formulating a response to our claim following last week’s 48-hour strike by members.

“We look forward to receiving a written offer and entering into a constructive dialogue with HIAL on the basis of this.

"We hope this will lead to a swift resolution of our dispute.

“The legal mandate for further strike action remains, but if HIAL makes a reasonable offer which addresses our objective of securing equal treatment for AMSL workers, we should not need to exercise that option.”