Unions confirm strike dates at North airports
Unite announce action over the festive period in their dispute with HIAL over pay
Last updated 6th Dec 2022
Union bosses have now announced the dates of action by staff at Highlands and Islands airports in the run-up to Christmas.
There are also calls for Scottish Government intervention in the dispute to put forward the finances to support an improved offer.
Unite said its members working for Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) would stage two 24-hour walkouts with these due on Monday December 19th and Thursday the 22nd.
The action will involve a variety of workers at the 11 airports, although mainly involving security, fire & rescue and admin staff. Inverness, Dundee, and Wick John O'Groats are among those locations affected.
It comes after the union members rejected the 5% pay rise, with almost three quarters of them backing strike action.
Shauna Wright, an industrial officer with Unite, has challenged the Scottish Government to find the cash to fund an improved pay offer.
She said: "Unite does not accept that HIAL, a private limited company wholly-owned by the Scottish Government, does not have the ability to increase the offer.
"Claims previously made that it is bound by funding obligations set by the Scottish Government, will not placate our members or settle this dispute.
"Unite is therefore calling on the Scottish Government, as a matter of urgency, to meet with us, the workers and HIAL and to put forward additional funding that will improve pay, terms and conditions in the highlands and islands and bring an end to this dispute."
Inglis Lyon, HIAL MD, said: "We apologise in advance for the inevitable disruption this action by Unite colleagues will cause for our airlines and passengers.
"Whilst recognising the financial challenges our colleagues face, we are disheartened that they will be taking strike action which will greatly inconvenience our passengers and local communities so close to the festive holiday period.
"We will liaise closely with our local teams, airlines, and partners to determine what can be done to minimise the disruption on both days.
"Meantime, all communication channels remain open in a bid to avoid this strike action. However, I would urge anyone intending to travel on these dates to keep in touch with their airline."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "We absolutely respect the democratic right of union members to take industrial action - though it is disappointing that passengers face the prospect of disruption ahead of the festive period.
"We encourage HIAL and Unite to continue to engage in positive dialogue in order to resolve this dispute."