HIAL air traffic controllers advised to accept new pay deal

Following further talks this week, HIAL and Prospect have negotiated an offer to be put to union members to resolve the long-running air traffic dispute.

The offer covers the period April 2018 to April 2021 and is worth at least nine per cent over the three years with an additional £9,000 over the period of the deal for a fully qualified controller.

Prospect will consult its members in December with the ballot closing on January 3. Prospect is recommending that members vote to accept the offer.

Prospect’s David Avery said: “This offer means the potential for disruption for the public travelling to and from the Highlands and Islands is lifted.

“The deal has required compromise on both sides and I would like to thank Scottish Ministers for giving HIAL the authority to reach a deal.

“We will be consulting our members in December and recommending that they accept the offer.”

In a statement, HIAL managing director Inglis Lyon said: “After a lot of hard work and effort from all parties we have now arrived at an offer that Prospect will recommend to their members.

This offer not only addresses the current dispute, but also recognises the world-wide skills shortage in air traffic control and helps us to secure future service delivery and provide sustainable aviation services for our communities.”