Edinburgh Airport workers secure pay deal as strike action averted

Strike action has been called off at Edinburgh Airport after workers secured an enhanced pay deal.

Over 400 workers employed by Edinburgh Airport Limited have secured a two-year pay deal after emphatically supporting strikes in an industrial action ballot.

Airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers are all set to benefit from the deal.

The new offer will benefit Edinburgh workers by £1,800 or 5.5% – whichever is greater – in 2026 alongside improvements to shift, sickness and paternity pay.

In 2027, workers are to receive 4% or the RPI inflation rate plus 0.5% effective from January 2027. There are also similar enhancements to wider terms and conditions in the second year of the pay deal.

It comes as strike action at Glasgow Airport was also avoided, as Unite staff accepted a pay deal.

Glasgow & West

Summer strike action at Glasgow Airport avoided after pay deals reached

The strike action threatened to disrupt travellers during the World Cup and Commonwealth Games

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Hundreds of Unite’s members employed at Edinburgh airport stood firm to get a better deal.

“This result was only achieved by the workers being prepared to take strike action if necessary to get what they deserved. It’s another win for Unite in the aviation industry in Scotland.”

The union has recently confirmed multiple pay deals covering nearly 400 workers at Glasgow airport, and around 150 workers based at Aberdeen airport employed by ICTS and the airport’s owners.

Unite industrial officer, Carrie Donoghue added: “Unite is pleased to have reached a good outcome for our members employed by the owners of Edinburgh airport.

“The two-year pay deal will see a significant boost to basic pay, shift allowances and wider working conditions.”