Aberdeen Airport taxi drivers 'withdraw service' in row over £7 departure fee

A number of Aberdeen Airport taxi drivers have temporarily 'withdrawn service' in a dispute with their employer over a rise in departure fees.

From 1 May, a departure fee of £7 will be introduced for the airport taxi fleet, which will be passed onto the customer's fare.

Workers are also concerned about a proposed change to their shift pattern.

A number of changes are being introduced, which management say are to improve services and boost recruitment.

Vic Fraser, regional officer at Unite, says drivers are taking action 'in the interest of the public' to keep fares low.

He said: "We were informed over the weekend that the company that operates the taxi drivers at Aberdeen Airport intend implementing changes.

"Changes that will be detrimental to the public, detrimental to the service, detrimental to the driver's work-life balance, and ultimately detrimental to the customers with the amount they need to pay."

Drivers want to solve dispute

It seems to have already caused an impact, as some passengers at the taxi rank this morning had been waiting for almost 1.5 hours.

It is understood that meetings will be taking place this week.

However, Mr Fraser highlighted striking is the last thing the taxi drivers want to do: "The drivers want to solve this dispute. They want to get back to work and service the public who come to Aberdeen Airport.

"But they can't do that when they are being forced into unsociable hours."

Recruitment challenges

A spokesperson for Aberdeen International Airport said: “The recruitment of taxi drivers remains a challenge not just for the airport but city-wide.

“In January, Aberdeen International Airport committed to implementing changes to improve the service for passengers.

“We will continue to work with drivers within our fleet to provide more flexibility.