Edinburgh Airport hit with strike threats during busy festive season

Edinburgh Airport is facing strike threats during the busy festive season, with North Air workers considering taking industrial action over pay disputes. The Unite union has announced that tanker drivers employed by North Air, who supply fuel to airlines, are on the brink of striking. The dispute stems from a rejected 4.5% pay offer by North Air after years of below-inflation pay increases, as reported by Unite.

Despite recent talks with Acas, union members have voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of strike action in a bid to secure a better pay offer. If no progress is made on the pay issue in the coming days, strike dates will be issued, potentially disrupting both domestic and international flights during the peak festive season. Flights that could be affected include United Airlines to New York, Emirates to Dubai, and Loganair’s domestic routes to the islands.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, stated that North Air is a profitable company and should make an improved pay offer to its tanker drivers. Unite’s Runway To Success campaign has achieved significant wins for workers across Scottish airports, including a 26.7% pay package for Loganair cabin crew and a 12% basic pay increase for Edinburgh Airport Services workers.

Carrie Binnie, Unite industrial officer, emphasised that tanker drivers deserve a fair pay rise as highly skilled workers essential to operations at Edinburgh Airport. The union has warned North Air to resolve the dispute promptly, or strike action will be unavoidable.

Edinburgh Airport has refrained from commenting on the situation, while North Air has been contacted for a response.

In summary, Edinburgh Airport is facing the possibility of strikes by North Air workers over pay disputes, which could impact flights during the busy festive season. The Unite union is pushing for a better pay offer for tanker drivers, stressing the importance of fair wages for essential workers in the aviation industry. Failure to reach a resolution promptly may lead to widespread disruption in flight operations.