HIAL make increased offer to air traffic controllers

Kirkwall Airport’s operator, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd. (HIAL) has confirmed that it has submitted a further offer to the union representing air traffic controllers (ATC).

The offer, which the company says is an increase on the previous proposal, is now set to go to a ballot of union members. Prospect, the Union representing the ATC has confirmed that industrial action will continue throughout this process. 

Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL said: “We submitted a revised offer in a bid to resolve the current industrial dispute.  Prospect has advised they will ballot air traffic control officers on that offer.

“Whilst we are pleased that there will be no further strike action during the consultation period, it is extremely disappointing that the current work to rule remains in place.

“I once again apologise to our passengers, customers and people within our communities for any disruption caused during the ongoing industrial action.”

David Avery, Prospect negotiations officer, has confirmed that there will be no further strike action in the meantime, but that ATC will still be working to only their set hours with no overtime.

“Prospect has received a pay offer for all HIAL staff, including Air Traffic controllers who are currently in dispute. We are consulting our members on the offer. While we do so no further strike days are planned but the work to rule remains in place.

“Prospect will not be commenting on the detail of the offer.”

A timescale for the ballot is yet to be confirmed.