McArthur calls for compromise ahead of Aberdeen Airport strike

With strikes at Aberdeen Airport set to cause widespread travel disruption in the coming weeks, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has called for compromise when it comes to NHS patients traveling south for treatment.

Workers at Aberdeen airport are set to strike for 24 hours on three separate days in the forthcoming weeks, with the first planned for this Friday, July 20 and two more on Thursday, August 2 and Thursday, August 16.

Mr McArthur and his Shetland counterpart, Tavish Scott MSP are concerned that this disruption could adversely affect Isles patients travelling for hospital treatment.

Mr McArthur said: “While the right to strike is crucially important, I would urge UNITE to consider how any planned action avoids impacting adversely on isles patients in need of specialist hospital treatment in Aberdeen.

Even where flights and appointments can be rescheduled, Mr McArthur believes the delays are likely to cause unnecessary anxiety and stress.

“With many patients from Orkney and Shetland already experiencing long waiting times for treatment, anything that leads to further delays is the last thing anyone wants to see,” he continued.

“I hope talks to resolve this dispute prove successful but call on both sides to pay particular attention to the needs of patients using these lifeline services.”

The prospective action, announced by Unite last Tuesday, will involve around 170 workers at the airport. This includes security and airfield operations, airside services, firefighters, operations officers and passenger service agents.

“Aberdeen International Airport’s latest derisory pay offer has been emphatically rejected by Unite members,” said Unite regional officer Wullie Wallace.

“The workforce for several years now has received below inflation increases and the company’s idea of rewarding its hard-working employees is by offering more real terms pay cuts.

“Aberdeen Airport has been investing heavily into improving the airport facilities and amenities. It’s high time for the company to invest in its employees. Unite remains open to further discussions with a view to resolving the dispute.”