'Ground-breaking' pay deal agreed for security workers at Glasgow Airport following Unite the Union campaign

A “ground-breaking” pay deal has been agreed for security workers at Glasgow Airport.

Unite the Union said the deal, worth up to 11.4%, has been accepted by around 50 ICTs security agents.

They perform a number of tasks at the airport including X-ray screening of hold baggage, checking documents and maintaining the upkeep of the baggage system.

The agreement will see pay rates increase to £9.50 per hour – backdated to April 1, 2021 – representing a 6.1% increase.

Unite also secured an increase in the basic rate of pay to £10 per hour from April 1, 2022 – which represents a further 5.3% increase.

There will also be a one-off bonus of £500 paid to all ICTS workers.

Following Unite’s campaign at Glasgow Airport, the pay increases now qualify ICTS as a real Scottish Living Wage employer.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham explained the deal will be a “very welcome boost” for its members.

“The pay agreement with ICTS at Glasgow Airport is an excellent result for our members and ground-breaking at the airport,” she said.

“The aviation industry has been one of those areas of our economy significantly hit by the Covid pandemic, so this will be a very welcome boost to the pockets of our members.

“This deal is yet another example of Unite delivering for its members as we strive to improve the jobs, terms and conditions of our members based in airports across Scotland.”

Pat McIlvogue, Unite regional industrial officer, described the deal as “excellent”.

“The last two years have been an extremely challenging situation at Glasgow Airport,” he said.

“So, for us to secure this substantial pay deal for our members at ICTS is a sign of returning confidence.

“It’s an excellent deal because we have delivered another employer based at the Airport paying the real Living Wage, and it helps set the path for security workers based at every Scottish airport.”