Glasgow airport ground service workers accept new pay day, Unite the Union confirms

Ground service workers at Glasgow Airport have accepted a new one-year pay deal, a union has said.

On Wednesday, Unite confirmed up to 200 workers including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers accepted an offer by Menzies Aviation, which will raise the pay of workers by up to 9.1% backdated to January this year.

The deal resolves a long-standing pay disparity between ground services crew employed by Menzies Aviation based at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.

A lower threshold for access to premium overtime rates, increased holiday entitlement based on service, and the reinstatement of up to five days of additional holidays for those with twenty-five years’ service have also been included in the deal.

Unite further confirmed that Menzies Aviation will explore the introduction of a UK-wide sick pay scheme in 2022.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This deal is a testament to our brilliant reps who have ensured that up to 200 workers at Glasgow Airport have secured better pay, terms and conditions by being a member of Unite.

“This further demonstrates this union’s determined work to improve wages and conditions across UK aviation.”

Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, added: “Hailed as the best in the sector, this deal is a fantastic result which ensures members’ pay keeps pace with living costs and removes a historical pay disparity between workers at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.

“The pay award sets a benchmark for Menzies Aviation across the UK.”

Phil Lloyd, senior vice president UK at Menzies Aviation said: “We are very empathetic to the cost of living increases our entire team are experiencing and we are pleased to have reached an agreement for our Glasgow employees.

“We have now concluded current negotiations with Unite across our Scottish locations and look forward to focusing our efforts on supporting the aviation industry’s continued recovery as people start flying again.”