Transport / Two days of strikes could hit Sumburgh Airport prior to Christmas
STRIKE action is set to take place at Sumburgh Airport on two days in the lead up to Christmas in an ongoing dispute over pay across the Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) network.
The first day of action from Unite members working for HIAL will take place on 19 December.
There will then be another strike day on 22 December.
The action is being taken by Unite members in a bid to improve pay for HIAL staff.
Members of Unite voted 73.5 per cent in favour of taking strike action and by 92.8 per cent in favour of taking action short of strike.
The workforce has already rejected a five per cent offer which they deemed unacceptable amid rising inflation.
Unite industrial officer Shauna Wright said: “Unite does not accept that HIAL, a private limited company wholly-owned by the Scottish Government, does not have the ability to increase the offer.
“Claims previously made that it is bound by funding obligations set by the Scottish Government, will not placate our members or settle this dispute.
“Unite is therefore calling on the Scottish Government as a matter of urgency to meet with us, the workers and HIAL and to put forward additional funding that will improve pay, terms and conditions in the Highlands and Islands and bring an end to this dispute.”
Inglis Lyon, HIAL’s managing director said: “We apologise in advance for the inevitable disruption this action by Unite colleagues will cause for our airlines and passengers.
“Whilst recognising the financial challenges our colleagues face, we are disheartened that they will be taking strike action which will greatly inconvenience our passengers and local communities so close to the festive holiday period.
“We will liaise closely with our local teams, airlines, and partners to determine what can be done to minimise the disruption on both days. Meantime, all communication channels remain open in a bid to avoid this strike action. However, I would urge anyone intending to travel on these dates to keep in touch with their airline.”
A spokesperson for Loganair said the airline has temporarily suspended sales on flights to and from HIAL airports and Dundee on the two dates of strike action.
“We are awaiting further news later this week on whether it is possible to provide some level of service at any or all of the airports,” they said.
“We will update any customers booked to travel on these dates whose journeys may be affected as soon as we have some clarity as to what the real-terms implications of this action may be.”
The eleven airports across the HIAL group are Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick.
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