Airport security staff set to strike

Strikes look set to take place across airports run by HIAL tomorrow, including Kirkwall, after talks between the group and trade union Prospect failed to avert action.

Security staff working for Airport Management Services Ltd (AMSL), have voted to take industrial action for 48 hours starting at midday on April 7.

According to the union, in the six years since HIAL brought security in-house, management has failed to agree equal pay, holidays, and sick pay for AMSL’s airport security workers.

However, HIAL claim they have taken steps to improve pay, and terms and conditions, for Prospect’s members, including a 30 per cent basic pay rise over the past six years, and a new pension scheme.

HIAL said Kirkwall Airport is expected to operate as normal but that passengers should ensure they arrive in good time for their flight and limit the amount of hand or check in luggage they take to the airport. Wherever possible, passengers should also limit the amount of liquids they carry or check in to help speed up the security process.