Glasgow airport staff 'routinely denied breaks' as ballot for strike action looms ahead of summer holiday rush

Passengers flying from Glasgow Airport could be facing summer chaos as staff prepare to vote on strike action after being “routinely denied breaks”.

Unite the Union said members at ICTS Central Search were going without breaks they are legally entitled to due to staffing issues.

ICTS Central Search employ around 250 workers who deal with passengers directly in the security search area, and process them for flights.

The workers cover mobile patrols, control access posts, screen all deliveries and deal with emergency services at Glasgow Airport.

Within the team there has been increased reports of fatigue, exhaustion, and stress due to staff working beyond six hours with no break, which breaches Working Time Regulations.

Unite said the principal reason for the situation at ICTS Search is due to understaffing and shift patterns, which the union believes are not fit for purpose.

They warned that having staff work in these conditions poses a potential security risk ahead of the summer holiday rush.

They added that they would have “no other option” but to ballot members for strike action ahead of the busy summer holiday period.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has been made aware of an alarming situation at Glasgow airport which not only impacts on the wellbeing of workers but the security of all passengers.”

“It is appalling that ICTS workers are being routinely denied their contractual breaks by management, and under no circumstances will this be tolerated.”

“Unite will back our ICTS Search members all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said: “The ICTS Search workers undertake safety and security critical tasks but how can they do this effectively when they are mentally and physically exhausted.

“If this situation is not resolved, then Unite will have no option but to ballot our members for industrial action.”

The union further confirmed it is in the process of contacting the Health and Safety Executive, and the Central Aviation Authority, due to the major concerns it has for the security and integrity of the search areas for the traveling public.

Glasgow Airport has been contacted for comment.