Glasgow Prestwick Airport workers are set to go on strike during peak summer holiday season over pay.
Airport security, firefighters, airfield operators, ground crew, ground handling, cargo customer service workers and cleaners are among those due to walk out. The airport's 'lowest paid' staff members want to receive 'at least' the Scottish Real Living Wage of £9.90 an hour, according to union, Unite.
Union members rejected a 6.5 per cent pay increase. It's feared the strike will affect holidaymakers over the summer, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
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Airport chiefs claim fewer than 18 per cent of its workforce voted in favour of industrial action. They also allege that most staff were happy with the pay offer would saw pension employer contributions increase by two per cent.
As real-terms inflation now sits at 11.7 per cent, Unite bosses maintain the offer, of between 4 and 6.5 per cent is like a 'significant pay cut'. A Glasgow Prestwick airport spokesman slammed the move as 'a confrontational approach'.
He said: “We are extremely disappointed that Unite is continuing to pursue its threat of strike action - especially on the basis of just a small number of votes. Its confrontational approach jeopardises the fragile recovery of the airport following the pandemic.
"It is denying the majority of our workforce a pay deal which will see 70 per cent of our 300 employees receiving a pay increase of 6.5 per cent or above, improvements to allowances, increased annual leave entitlement, enhanced sick pay provisions, and up to two per cent more employer pension contributions."
He added: "Unlike most other airports, we directly appoint our staff, making us one of the biggest employers in Ayrshire. We have strong plans to grow the business and create even more jobs.
“We urge Unite to reconsider their position, and work with us to realise our ambitions, which will have a positive impact on the local economy at a critical time for the region.”
The ballot opened on July 5 and closed on July 19.
Earlier this month, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “While directors' pay is protected, workers are being told to take a substantial real terms pay cut. And disgracefully, they want to keep new starters on a rock bottom rate that is lower than the real living wage.
"Glasgow Prestwick Airport and the Scottish Government need to put an improved offer on the table because Unite will resolutely support our members in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
The airport was taken into public ownership in November 2013 after being bought by the SNP Government for £1. Transport Scotland said the airport was operated at arm's length and that ministers do not intervene in commercial or operational matters.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: ”Staffing issues, including pay, are matters for the airport and the union. We encourage all parties to continue to engage with each other to reach a solution to this dispute.”
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