Glasgow Airport: Hundreds of workers could head out on summer strike amid pay dispute

Over 800 workers are heading towards potential strike action at Glasgow Airport this summer amid ongoing disputes over pay and conditions, Unite the union has warned.

The companies involved are Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation, and Falck.

Unite has indicated that if talks do not lead to an agreement soon, ballots for industrial action could be held within the next two weeks.

It follows a warning last month that summer strikes could hit both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, after ground services crew employed by Menzies Aviation at both locations overwhelmingly rejected separate pay offers they described as “unacceptable.”

Around 300 workers at Glasgow Airport, 97% of those balloted rejected a 4.25% pay increase offer, while at Edinburgh Airport, 100% of some 300 workers rejected a 4% uplift. Menzies Aviation reported global earnings before tax of $382m (around £282.4m).

At Glasgow Airport Ltd, 120 workers – including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers – have rejected a proposed 3.6% pay increase. The company reported profits of £40.65m in its latest accounts.

Similarly, 50 firefighters employed by Falck, responsible for fire safety at the airport, have turned down the same 3.6% pay offer. Falck reported £1.1m in profits.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Hundreds of workers at Glasgow airport are heading towards summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers.

“The companies involved are all highly profitable and can easily afford to give our members better pay and working conditions.

“The truth is that they are denying fair pay increases to cynically boost their profits.”

At ICTS Central Search, 250 workers involved in passenger security screening are in dispute over pay, understaffing, and working conditions. ICTS (UK) Limited reported profits of £4.4m.

Swissport, the country’s largest ground handler, is facing a dispute involving over 100 workers who have raised concerns around unpredictable shift patterns and understaffing, which is causing fatigue and stress. The company reported profits of £17.6m.

Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite is in dispute with companies at Glasgow airport which could ultimately bring hundreds of workers out on strike. The companies can resolve these disputes with Unite before that situation happens by addressing the legitimate concerns and pay aspirations of our members.

“If the companies refuse to work with Unite to resolve these disputes, then we will have no option but to open strike ballots. This could mean strike action happening from the middle of July.”

Recently, Unite secured wage increases for other airport workers in Scotland, including 100 North Air employees and over 140 workers at Glasgow airport employed by ABM and OCS.

Phil Lloyd, Senior Vice President UK, Menzies Aviation, said: “Following the rejection of recent pay award proposals, we remain committed to seeking a resolution, and have in fact met with Unite today (Friday) to make an enhanced offer, with a follow up session scheduled.

“We hope to reach an agreement which is workable for both the business and our employees at Glasgow airport.

“We continue to work towards an agreeable solution to protect services for our airline and airport partners and their customers.”

A spokesperson for Swissport said: “We are in dialogue with Unite – the talks so far have been constructive and we remain focused on working together to address the issues being raised.”

A spokesman for Glasgow Airport said: “We have ongoing dialogue with Unite regarding a pay deal for our direct workforce.”

ICTS Central Search and Falck have been contacted for comment.