Strike action could affect town airport

Campbeltown Airport is one of 11 across the Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) network that could be affected by strike action this month.

 

The trade union Prospect has served notice of industrial action by fire service and security staff at the following locations and dates, which may result in airport closures: March 8 – Stornoway and Sumburgh; March 9 – Stornoway and Sumburgh; March 10 – Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Islay, Kirkwall and Wick; March 13 – Dundee, Inverness and Islay; March 17 – Dundee and Inverness.

 

The union has advised that there will also be action short of a strike which will be continuous action and will start on March 18.

 

This will include withdrawal of good will; work to rosters; an overtime ban; refusal of non-ambulance extensions or special openings and will cause additional disruption.

 

HIAL's local teams are liaising closely with airlines to determine the impact of this industrial action and the potential disruption for passengers.

 

“We met with Prospect, Unite and PCS union representatives on Thursday February 16, and presented an enhanced proposal which comprised a tiered one-off non-consolidated payment on top of the percentage increase we offered before Christmas,” said Inglis Lyon, HIAL’s managing director.

 

“The three trade unions carefully considered the proposal, but unfortunately notified us that the proposal will not be sufficient to resolve the dispute.

 

“We are disappointed that our proposal fell short of the unions’ expectations and apologise for the disruption this industrial action will cause for our customers and airlines.”

 

He added that HIAL asked to meet with union representatives this week to “better understand areas of potential compromise”.