HIAL invites Prospect to restart talks

Midway through the ongoing 48 hour industrial action at HIAL’s airports, the managing director of HIAL has called on Prospect trade union to return to the negotiating table to continue talks in a bid to end the dispute.

Inglis Lyon said: “Midway through this unnecessary strike, I would urge the union to return to the negotiating table. Prolonged industrial action is not in anyone’s interests, least of all our passengers, the many businesses and jobs that rely on our airports and the airport workers affected by the industrial action.

“At this midway point I would encourage Prospect representatives to suspend the strike and meet with me in an attempt to find a solution. Both sides showed a willingness last week to enter into discussions and I believe that Prospect would better serve the interests of its members by suspending the strike action and resuming a constructive dialogue.

“Neither side favours a protracted dispute. With that in mind, I would urge Prospect to take stock, suspend the strike and allow discussions to restart. I believe we can make progress.”

Despite the industrial action, 10 of HIAL’s 11 airports are operating normally. Only scheduled services between Dundee and Stansted have been affected by the strike.