Airport tanker driver pay dispute could ground flights over festive season

Unite the union said that tanker drivers at Edinburgh airport are on the verge of taking strike action over the festive season.

Calum Loudon

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A pay dispute involving Edinburgh airport tanker drivers could “ground flights over festive season”, a union has claimed.

Unite the union said on Monday that tanker drivers employed by North Air, who supply fuel to airlines operating at Edinburgh airport, are on the verge of taking strike action over the festive season.

It comes after employees rejected a 4.5% offer by the company, which they say has came after years of “below inflation pay increases”.

Members have now overwhelmingly backed strike action in an effort to secure a better deal, after recent talks at conciliation service Acas resulted in no enhanced offer.

Unite is now warning North Air that it will have “no option” but to issue strike dates which would directly hit peak festive season flights unless an improved offer is issued in the coming days.

Key routes that could be affected include United Airlines to New York and Emirates to Dubai, along with Loganair’s domestic routes to the islands could be directly impacted.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary said: “North Air is a profitable company and there is no excuse for not making an improved pay offer to our tanker drivers.

“Unite will always support our members in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Edinburgh airport declined to comment.