Glasgow Airport workers vote for strike action in pay row

Mass disruption at Glasgow Airport looks “inevitable”, union chiefs have warned as they prepare for strikes during the transport hub’s busiest period.

Unite confirmed yesterday that staff within the airport’s lifeline security services would abandon their roles if a significantly improved pay offer was not tabled urgently.

It revealed 98.5 per cent of the 200 ICTS staff balloted at the Paisley site supported industrial action.

The trade union says that ICTS Central Search employees, who deal with passengers directly in the security search areas and process them for flights, could start action in mid-July.

The action would mean disruption for travellers at both Glasgow and Aberdeen airports.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “ICTS is a very profitable company, yet it is refusing to make our members a fair pay offer. Unite will back our ICTS members every step of the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Pat McIlvogue, Unite’s lead industrial officer for aviation in Scotland, said: “Strike action is now inevitable because 300 ICTS workers at Aberdeen and Glasgow airports have been left with no choice but to fight for what they deserve,” he said.

Mr McIlvogue called on AGS, the owner of Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, to intervene, arguing that without the ICTS staff “the airports simply can’t operate”.

A spokesperson for ICTS said: “Constructive pay talks with our staff at Glasgow and Aberdeen airports are ongoing. We would like to reassure the travelling public that their security is our priority and there will be no disruptions.”

A spokesperson for AGS Airports, which owns and operates Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, said: “AGS does not involve itself in discussions between third parties, however, we are ensuring that ongoing dialogue between ICTS and Unite can continue with a view to reaching a positive outcome.”

Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here