Fans travelling to major sporting events this summer face potential disruption at Glasgow Airport, as workers consider industrial action in a dispute over pay.
Aviation trade union Unite has warned of significant delays coinciding with the the Commonwealth Games, which are being held in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August, and the World Cup.
Unite announced that its ICTS central search members at Glasgow Airport are currently being balloted for strike action. This follows their rejection of what the union described as an "unacceptable" pay offer from the company.
The ballot, which opened on 1 May, is set to close on 21 May. If successful, industrial action could commence during the peak summer holiday period.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, stated: "Unite has warned ICTS that our members at Glasgow airport deserve a better pay offer than what is currently on the table. ICTS is a highly profitable company that can fully afford to make a decent pay offer.
“The company’s cavalier attitude and failure to make a fair pay offer has created this dispute. Unite will back our ICTS members every step of the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions."
Around 170 ICTS workers have "emphatically" rejected the proposed pay deal. These employees are crucial to airport operations, directly dealing with passengers in security search areas, processing them for flights, controlling access posts, conducting mobile patrols, and screening all deliveries.
Carrie Donoghue, Unite industrial officer, added: "Unite has made it clear that there should be a far better pay offer which reflects the critical role our members perform at Glasgow airport.
“The reality is that the airport simply can’t operate without them. It is ICTS that is putting the travelling public at risk during an expected very busy summer due to the World Cup and Commonwealth Games."
ICTS has been approached for comment.
