LISTEN: Airport Security Strike Begins

HIAL says a summer of strike action by airport security staff would be a 'nightmare situation'.

The operator claims disruption is being kept to a minimum amid a 48 hour walk out by workers.

Members of the Prospect Union voted for industrial action in a dispute over pay and conditions.

It's been suggested strikes could continue for a number of weeks if the situation isn't resolved.

MFR Reporter Derek Ferguson speaks with Prospect National Secretary Alan Denney...

Prospect national secretary Alan Denney said: “We put in our claim in October but have yet to receive an offer from the employer in response to this.

"Not only that, we’ve seen no evidence to suggest that the claim has been put before the Scottish government, the owners of HIAL.

“Despite management’s claim to the contrary, there has been no real attempt to secure a settlement with us before a strike takes place.

"In effect they’ve been moving at a snails pace all this time in the hope that we would crack.

“This is mistaken. Our resolve is rock solid and membership has in fact been growing since the result of the strike ballot was announced.”

MFR Reporter Derek Ferguson speaks to HIAL Managing Director, Inglis Lyon...

HIAL Managing Director Inglis Lyon said: “We have been working hard throughout the day to ensure that passengers across our airports are not inconvenienced by this industrial action and we would like to thank the many HIAL staff who have volunteered to support this effort.

"We obviously regret that Dundee’s scheduled service to Stansted has been suspended for the duration of the strike.

"However, aside from this, there has been no disruption to passengers, with 10 of our 11 airports operating a normal schedule.

"We would like to thank passengers for their patience and cooperation and remind anyone travelling for the duration of the strike action to arrive early for their flight and limit the amount of liquids and luggage they bring to the airport."