Airports staff to vote on new offer

Last month we reported on the strike action closing 11 airports that are members of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited. Now, one of the unions involved in the dispute, Prospect, has agreed to suspend its industrial action involving fire and security staff after an improved pay offer from the employer. Workers have been offered 7%, significantly better than the previous offer of 5%, which had been rejected, and are being balloted on whether to accept the offer. PCS and Unite are also consulting on the offer.

Jane Rose, Prospect Negotiator, said: “This is a welcome improvement to the offer from the employer which we will now be putting to members via ballot, although it is clear there are wider pay structure issues at HIAL which remain to be addressed.

“As a gesture of good faith in the negotiations, and recognising the positive change in the offer from HIAL we will be suspending all industrial action until the conclusion of consultation with members.”