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The Independent
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Glasgow Airport strike may have significant impact we are keen to avoid
Strikes at Glasgow Airport could cause 'a significant impact which we are keen to avoid', a union official has said. Unite has said around 450 workers are on course for strike action over the busy summer period as part of three pay disputes. The three companies involved are are Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, and Swissport. However, Unite has said it will be taking new offers from ICTS Central Search and Swissport to a further ballot of members next week. Speaking to the BBC's Good Morning Scotland radio programme, Unite industrial officer Pat McIlvogue said Glasgow Airport Ltd are refusing to meet with the union. The union represents around 100 staff which are employed by the airport. Mr McIlvogue accused the airport of negotiating in 'bad faith' and having forced them into an industrial action ballot, which led to 98.7% being willing to take action. Staff could take strike action on July 18, he said, with those potentially involved including 'airfield ops, the ambassadors, the engineers, the managers'. Mr McIlvogue said: 'It could have a significant impact which we are keen to avoid. This is a call for them to get back around the table 'That's what we're asking for today – we're keen to avoid disruption, we don't want to affect the travelling public.' A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport said: 'We are reviewing the ballot results and remain open to finding a sensible resolution.'
Scottish Sun
04-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Major decision that could plunge Scots' summer holidays into chaos is just weeks away
Passengers and planes could be grounded FLIGHTMARE Major decision that could plunge Scots' summer holidays into chaos is just weeks away Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTTISH holidaymakers have been warned that they face travel chaos over the summer as hundreds of airport workers prepare to go on strike. More than 800 workers from five companies are currently involved in disputes over pay and working conditions. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Holidaygoers have been warned about travel disruption at Glasgow Airport Credit: Les Gallagher 4 Over 800 staff are being balloted on strike action Credit: Alamy 4 And it could cause chaos for those heading on their summer holidays Credit: Les Gallagher - The Sun Glasgow Unite the union said workers at Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation and Falck could be balloted for walkouts. And this could cause major disruption across several holiday routes as thousands of families prepare to jet off over the summer break. Staff at Glasgow Airport Ltd who are heading towards strike action include airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers. While the ICTS Central Search staff involved are workers who usually deal with passengers during security searches and process them ahead of their flights. So it is feared that the strike action could impact departure and arrival times or could even "ground planes and passengers". Last month, the union said that if no successful resolution to the disputes were reached, it would move towards holding votes on industrial action. Hundreds of workers at Glasgow Airport are heading towards summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers Sharon Graham And now staff are officially being balloted on a pay offer on basic pay, shift allowances and overtime rates. The ballot is set to conclude in less than two weeks on July 14. Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said walkouts could be held from the middle of July if voted for. Providing a breakdown of all staff involved, Unit said that over 100 Swissport workers are locked in a dispute about rotas and work-life balance, as many are "struggling with chronic fatigue". Flight Chaos in Europe: French ATC Strikes Disrupt Travel for Thousands It said the company "is demanding that workers at extreme short notice have to work shifts at various times and for various durations, which is directly impacting on their personal lives". A further 250 ICTS Central Search workers are currently involved in a dispute over understaffing, working conditions and pay. And a total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited have rejected a basic 3.6 per cent pay increase, This same 3.6 per cent pay increase was rejected by 50 Falck firefighters who perform fire safety functions at the airport. In addition to this, 300 Menzies Aviation workers, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers, rejected a basic uplift worth around 4.25 per cent. 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." Mr McIlvogue 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. MORE TRAVEL CHAOS IT'S not just strike action at Glasgow Airport that is set to cause chaos for Scottish holidaymakers. We previously told how over 100 Ryanair flights have been axed amid an air traffic control strike. French staff walking off the job has caused the budget airline to axe dozens of planes taking tourists abroad. The industrial action landed with the start of Europe's summer holidays, meaning airports and flights were set to be much busier, only adding to the chaos. French ATC workers will be off the job TODAY amid complaints about overworking, burnout and understaffing. The country's officials had asked airlines to axe the number of flights in Paris airports by 40 per cent to help them cope with the strike. A total of 170 Ryanair flights have been axed, throwing the journeys of over 30,000 passengers into chaos. But the chaos is also hammering punters who aren't even going to France. The strike means planes cannot even fly over French airspace to get to their destinations. This has seen flights to holiday hotspots like Greece and Spain all impacted. The popular airline said: "In addition to flights to/from France being cancelled, this strike will also affect all French overflights." Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary blasted the "abundantly unfair" strike for the chaos caused to passengers. He said: 'Once again European families are held to ransom by French Air Traffic Controllers going on strike. "It is not acceptable that overflights over French airspace en route to their destination are being cancelled/delayed as a result of yet another French ATC strike. "It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays." "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." 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." Phil Lloyd, senior vice president UK, Menzies Aviation, said last month: "Following the rejection of recent pay award proposals, we remain committed to seeking a resolution. "And have in fact met with Unite today 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." Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, and Falck have been contacted for comment.
Glasgow Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow Airport strike: Everything we know so far
Unite has warned that around 800 airport workers across five different companies are set to walk out as workers go to the ballot in the next two weeks. The threat of strike action comes after Unite and airport bosses came to "no successful resolution" after weeks of being locked in talks. READ MORE: Holidaymakers warned ahead of summer strike action at Glasgow Airport The Glasgow Times has compiled a list of everything that we know ahead of the potential walkout. Will flights be grounded? Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has warned that the planned strikes could significantly disrupt air travel, potentially grounding planes and stranding passengers. Glasgow Airport has not yet confirmed whether it will shut down operations if the walkout proceeds. The strike action threatens to cause widespread travel disruption—last year alone, Glasgow Airport handled over 8 million passengers. Why are there strikes planned? Unite the Union has announced that workers across several key employers at Glasgow Airport—including ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation, Falck, and Glasgow Airport Limited—could be balloted for strike action. The union stated on Saturday that if disputes are not resolved in the coming days, it intends to move toward holding formal industrial action ballots within two weeks. At the core of the unrest are pay disputes and staffing concerns. A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited—including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers—have rejected a proposed 3.6% basic pay increase. Similarly, 50 firefighters employed by Falck, who are responsible for critical fire safety services at the airport, have also rejected the same 3.6% offer. In addition, around 250 ICTS Central Search staff—responsible for passenger screening and processing—are currently in dispute over issues related to understaffing, poor working conditions, and pay levels. READ MORE: Rail union launches strike ballot after 'unacceptable' pay offer When is the disruption expected? Industrial disruption at Glasgow Airport could coincide with one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Pat McIlvogue, Unite's industrial officer, has warned that strike action may take place during the peak summer season—specifically from mid-July—if ongoing disputes are not resolved. This timing would directly affect the Scottish school holidays, a period when many families are scheduled to travel. He stated: '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.' It has not been confirmed how long the strikes would last. Could holidaymakers fly out from a different airport? At Edinburgh Airport, union officials are also engaged in urgent negotiations. Workers employed by Menzies Aviation at the capital's hub have unanimously rejected a 4% pay offer. Roughly 300 workers—representing 100% of those balloted—voted against the deal, raising the likelihood of a strike that would similarly cause widespread disruption for travellers through Edinburgh. With talks ongoing at both major airports, Unite has made clear that unless improved pay offers and resolutions are reached soon, Scotland's aviation network could face significant operational strain by mid-summer. READ MORE: Police staff could strike in row over 'huge cuts' Is there a chance that the strikes won't go ahead? The strikes haven't been confirmed, and that means that there is still a chance they might not go ahead. It has been confirmed that talks are ongoing between the union and airport bosses. A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport said: "We have ongoing dialogue with Unite regarding a pay deal for our direct workforce." 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 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." ICTS and Falck have been approached for comment.
South Wales Guardian
07-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Strikes by airport workers could disrupt summer holidaymakers, union warns
Unite the union said workers at Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation and Falck could be balloted for walkouts. The union said on Saturday that if there is no successful resolution to the disputes in the coming days, it will move towards holding votes on industrial action within two weeks. It warned strikes could 'ground planes and passengers'. Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said walkouts could be held from the middle of July. More than 100 Swissport workers are locked in a dispute about rotas and work-life balance, according to Unite. It said the company 'is demanding that workers at extreme short notice have to work shifts at various times and for various durations, which is directly impacting on their personal lives'. Unite said some Swissport staff are 'struggling with chronic fatigue'. A further 250 ICTS Central Search workers, who deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights, are currently involved in a dispute over under-staffing, working conditions and pay. A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited have rejected a basic 3.6% pay increase, with staff including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers involved. The same 3.6% pay increase was rejected by 50 Falck firefighters who perform fire safety functions at the airport. Meanwhile 300 Menzies Aviation workers, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers, have rejected a basic uplift worth around 4.25%. The union recently announced a series of what it said were wage wins for 100 North Air workers across Scottish airports, and more than 140 staff based at Glasgow Airport employed by ABM and OCS. 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.' Mr McIlvogue 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.' 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.' Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Menzies Aviation and Falck have been contacted for comment.
Rhyl Journal
07-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Strikes by airport workers could disrupt summer holidaymakers, union warns
Unite the union said workers at Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation and Falck could be balloted for walkouts. The union said on Saturday that if there is no successful resolution to the disputes in the coming days, it will move towards holding votes on industrial action within two weeks. It warned strikes could 'ground planes and passengers'. Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said walkouts could be held from the middle of July. More than 100 Swissport workers are locked in a dispute about rotas and work-life balance, according to Unite. It said the company 'is demanding that workers at extreme short notice have to work shifts at various times and for various durations, which is directly impacting on their personal lives'. Unite said some Swissport staff are 'struggling with chronic fatigue'. A further 250 ICTS Central Search workers, who deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights, are currently involved in a dispute over under-staffing, working conditions and pay. A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited have rejected a basic 3.6% pay increase, with staff including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers involved. The same 3.6% pay increase was rejected by 50 Falck firefighters who perform fire safety functions at the airport. Meanwhile 300 Menzies Aviation workers, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers, have rejected a basic uplift worth around 4.25%. The union recently announced a series of what it said were wage wins for 100 North Air workers across Scottish airports, and more than 140 staff based at Glasgow Airport employed by ABM and OCS. 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.' Mr McIlvogue 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.' 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.' Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Menzies Aviation and Falck have been contacted for comment.
