HUNDREDS of workers at Edinburgh Airport are to be balloted over strike action amid an ongoing pay dispute.
Around 200 passenger assistants employed by OCS Group at the Scottish capital airport could strike from early September, Unite the Union announced on Wednesday.
Passenger assistants, who help travellers who have mobility issues and who are members of the union, “overwhelmingly” rejected a £12.60 per hour wage offer.
Unite members will be balloted between July 30 and August 19, with the Union saying industrial action could begin as soon as September.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said the union would not tolerate low pay offers and that members at the airport have their full backing.
“Unite’s members working for OCS based at Edinburgh airport deserve far more than what the company is offering, which is the lowest possible that they can get away with.
“Unite will not tolerate low pay and our members will have the full backing of their union in the fight for better jobs, pay, and conditions.”
Carrie Binnie, Unite industrial officer, added that OCS workers contribute a “vital” role at the Edinburgh Airport by helping to assist hundreds of passengers every week with mobility issues.
“For OCS to put the bare minimum on the table is unacceptable. The workers are essential to the airport, and they should be valued and rewarded properly,” she said.
“If our members are forced into strike action, it’s because they won’t accept poverty pay.”
Edinburgh Airport said the dispute is between workers and the OCS Group.
OCS Group has been contacted for comment.
