Holidaymakers are facing potential travel disruption this summer due to a growing Glasgow Airport strike threat, as more than 800 workers from five airport service companies are involved in ongoing pay and working conditions disputes. Unite the union has warned that strike ballots could be launched within weeks if negotiations do not progress.
The disputes affect employees across Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation, and Falck. Unite claims the unresolved issues, which range from under-staffing and low pay to poor rota systems and worker fatigue, could lead to walkouts as early as mid-July, potentially grounding planes and passengers during peak holiday travel.
Swissport Staff Raise Alarm Over Fatigue and Rotas
Over 100 workers at Swissport are in dispute over last-minute shift changes and inconsistent working hours. Unite says these conditions have led to chronic fatigue among staff, warning that industrial action is likely unless swift improvements are made.
A Swissport spokesperson said the company is engaged in ongoing dialogue with Unite and aims to resolve the matter constructively.
Multiple Disputes Across Five Airport Contractors
Unite outlined the scope of the disputes, which involve:
• 250 ICTS Central Search staff, responsible for passenger screening and security, citing pay, understaffing, and poor working conditions
• 120 employees of Glasgow Airport Ltd, including ambassadors and engineers, rejecting a 3.6% pay offer
• 50 Falck firefighters, responsible for fire safety, also rejecting the same 3.6% offer
• 300 Menzies Aviation staff, including airside agents and controllers, who turned down a 4.25% wage increase
Union representatives say these disputes have dragged on for months, with employers offering below-inflation raises and refusing to address deteriorating working conditions.
Unite Demands Meaningful Offers
Unite’s Pat Mcilvogue said talks with all five employers have stalled due to “frivolous offers” and warned that staffing shortages, poor rostering, and fatigue are severely impacting operations.
“Our members are overstretched and exhausted,” Mcilvogue told BBC Scotland. “We have more than a month to fix this. Let’s work with Unite to avoid disruption for the travelling public in July.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham added that the companies involved are “highly profitable” and capable of offering better wages and conditions.
Employers Respond Amid Industrial Action Fears
Glasgow Airport said it continues to negotiate with Unite over pay proposals. Menzies Aviation confirmed it had made an “enhanced offer” and hopes to reach a resolution that maintains service for airlines and passengers. ICTS Central Search and Falck have not yet commented.
With potential Glasgow Airport strikes looming in the heart of the summer holiday season, pressure is mounting on all parties to reach agreements and prevent large-scale travel disruptions.
