Fresh strike action has been confirmed for 11 Scottish airports to take place over five days this month.
Union Unite, which represents flight security, baggage handlers, ground crew and airport firefighters have set dates for industrial action in February. The walkouts will affect all airports owned by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), located in some of Scotland's remotest communities.
Staff will cease work in Dundee airport on February 17 and 20, with further strikes taking place on February 21, 22 and 23, impacting 10 more locations. Workers are striking after rejecting a five per cent pay rise offered by management, while three of HIAL's airports were closed in December during previous action.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Inflation is at a generational high yet the HIAL group believe a substantial real-terms pay cut is what our hard-working members deserve. This is completely unacceptable.
"Strike action is now inevitable at all 11 airports and this is entirely the fault of airport management and the Scottish Government. Unite will fully support our members in the fight for better jobs, pay and conditions across the Highlands and Islands.”
The 11 Scots airports that are striking this February
According to Unite's website, the following airports will strike on these dates:
February 17 and 20
- Dundee Airport
February 21, 22, and 23
- Barra Airport
- Benbecula Airport
- Campbeltown Airport
- Inverness Airport
- Islay Airport
- Kirkwall Airport
- Stornoway Airport
- Sumburgh Airport
- Tiree Airport
- Wick Airport
Unite industrial officer Shauna Wright said: “Unite believes our hard-working members who keep the airports operating in isolated and rural communities across Scotland deserve far more than what is currently on the table.
“Unite is once again calling on the Scottish Government to meet with us, the workers and HIAL management to fund an improved pay offer, and to deliver more investment in these communities.”
A spokesman for HIAL said: “We are currently liaising closely with our local teams and airlines to determine the impact of this industrial action and the potential disruption for passengers and will post further updates and information on our website and airport social media channels.
“In the meantime, we would advise passengers who intend to travel on these days to keep in touch with their airline.”
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