Holidaymakers Could Face Travel Disruption as Ground Crew Workers Reject Pay Offers at Scotland’s Major Airports
Holidaymakers planning to travel through Scotland’s two biggest airports this summer may face weeks of travel disruption as ground crew workers have ’emphatically’ rejected two separate pay offers. The workers, who total around 600 at Edinburgh and Glasgow international terminals, are represented by Unite the Union and are currently in a dispute with their employer Menzies Aviation.
Unacceptable Pay Offers and Threat of Strike Action
Unite the Union has branded the basic pay offer of around 4% at Edinburgh and 4. 25% at Glasgow as ‘unacceptable’ after Menzies Aviation reported a ‘record-breaking performance’ last year. If improved offers are not made, the union has warned that they will have ‘no option’ but to ballot members for industrial action during the peak season. This could lead to delays and cancellations for major airlines including British Airways, Loganair, Emirates, Lufthansa, and AIR Transat, all of which are supported by Menzies ground handling and passenger services workers.
Possible Impact on Tens of Thousands of Holidaymakers
Menzies staff are also used by Aer Lingus, American Airlines, and United Airlines, meaning strike action could spell misery for tens of thousands of holidaymakers hoping to jet off to popular destinations such as Spain and the US. Unite industrial officer Carrie Binnie stated that “summer strike action looms over Edinburgh and Glasgow airports because the pay offers on the table from Menzies Aviation aren’t good enough.
Workers Overwhelmingly Reject Pay Offers
A total of 97% of the estimated 300 workers balloted in Glasgow voted against the latest pay offer of 4. 25%, while all 300 staff based at Edinburgh turned down an offer worth around 4%. This comes just two months after Menzies announced its fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth, with global revenue reaching £1. 9 billion and global earnings before tax of £282 million last year.
Union Demands Better Offers
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated that in the wake of this, members ’emphatically rejected unacceptable pay offers. ‘ She added, “the Menzies group is posting sky-high profits and our members who contribute towards this success deserve far better from the company.
Menzies Praises Staff, But Dispute Looms
On its website, Menzies credits its success to its staff, particularly its ground services team, who ensure the safe and trusted delivery of a world-class passenger experience for over 250 million passengers every year. However, if strike action goes ahead, it could impact a number of flights in and out of the two airports.
Airports Refuse to Comment on Dispute
Neither Edinburgh nor Glasgow airports were willing to comment on the latest pay dispute.