Holidaymakers flying from Glasgow Airport this summer could face major disruption, with around 450 workers across three companies poised to take strike action on Thursday 18 July.
Union Unite has confirmed that staff employed by Glasgow Airport, ICTS Central Search, and Swissport have voted in favour of industrial action amid ongoing disputes over pay and conditions. The affected employees include airfield operations personnel, airport ambassadors, engineers, and managerial staff.
Pat McIlvogue, industrial officer at Unite, told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme that the strike “could have a significant impact which we are keen to avoid”, urging Glasgow Airport management to return to negotiations.
“This is a call for them to get back around the table,” McIlvogue said. “We’re asking for dialogue, not disruption.”
While fresh offers from ICTS and Swissport are set to be balloted by members next week, Unite claims Glasgow Airport has refused to meet union officials to resolve the dispute. The union represents approximately 100 employees directly employed by the airport.
McIlvogue accused airport bosses of negotiating in “bad faith”, stating the move to ballot members was forced upon the union. The result saw an overwhelming 98.7% support for industrial action.
A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport responded: “We are reviewing the ballot results and remain open to finding a sensible resolution.”
If the dispute is not resolved in time, the planned action could significantly impact flight operations at one of Scotland’s busiest airports during the height of the summer holiday period.
