Controllers begin industrial action at HIAL airports

Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) working at seven Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) airports, including Kirkwall, have undertaken industrial action from today as part of an on-going dispute over pay.

ATCs have been seeking a double-digit wage increase which, the industry representing them, says would bring their pay in line with ATCs in other areas, or a long-term commitment to above-inflation pay awards.

Prospect union members announced they would be taking action — including working to rosters, refusal of non-medical extensions, an overtime ban and withdrawal of goodwill — after no agreement was met in the dispute.

The ATCs will also go on strike later this month, on April 26, if no agreement can be met before then.

A meeting is to be attended by HIAL, the Prospect union and the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) on April 9 in a bid to reach an agreement which will see the dispute resolved.

The ATCs previously turned down an offer based around a possible retention allowance, with Prospect saying it would not have addressed the underlying pay issues.

HIAL has said evidence provided in the analysis of air traffic controller pay at non-HIAL airports, that Prospect jointly undertook with HIAL, did not support a double-digit wage award.

HIAL has said it will be continuing to work closely with airlines to minimise potential disruption caused by the industrial action and strike.

HIAL have also said they will be moving forward on the assumption that strike action will go ahead and the airports affected — which includes Benbecula, Dundee, Inverness, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh and Wick — will close for a 24 hours period on April 26.