Airport security dispute comes to an end

Security staff at Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd have settled a pay dispute with management.

Members of the Prospect Union working in the Scottish airport groups security company AMSL have voted to accept a management offer to harmonise their terms and conditions over the next 20 months following what has been described as “a six year battle for equality.”

With the ballot closing at midday yesterday, members voted 95% in favour of the offer on a turnout of 74%.

Scottish government-owned HIAL tabled the offer after a period of work to rule following a 48-hour strike in the wake of the Easter weekend.

Alan Denney, Prospect national secretary, said: “I am delighted that this dispute has finally been settled and that our members will in future be on an equal footing with their colleagues in the wider HIAL group. It is right that the vital task of keeping the public safe when they fly is properly recognised.

“I would like to thank members for their patience over six long years as well as the wider public for their support and understanding during the recent industrial action.”

According to the union, in the six years since HIAL brought security in house, management had failed to agree equal terms for basic pay, shift pay, sick pay, overtime, weekend premium payments, and holidays for AMSL’s airport security workers.

The union represents more than 120 of AMSL’s 160 workers covering eleven Scottish airports including Kirkwall.

A HIAL spokesperson said: “We are pleased that Prospect members have accepted the package of improvements proposed by HIAL. Notwithstanding that disruption was minimal, today’s outcome is good news for staff and for passengers and means we can now focus on making this summer our busiest ever.”