Unite, Scotland’s largest aviation union, says workers at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports have secured improved pay deals following the threat of strike action, ending several disputes across ground handling, security, and airport operations.
At Glasgow Airport, around 230 ICTS workers who carry out passenger security searches and processing have backed a two-year agreement delivering a 5% increase in basic pay and shift allowances, backdated to January, alongside a one-off bank holiday benefit in this year’s package.
In 2027, pay will rise by the Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation rate plus 1%, with further improvements to terms and conditions taking effect from January 1.
A separate deal covers roughly 160 ground services staff employed by Menzies Aviation, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents, and controllers, who will receive a 4.4% pay increase backdated to January, followed by a minimum 5% rise from July, with some workers seeing gains of up to 11.1%.
Both groups had previously voted in favor of industrial action after rejecting initial offers deemed insufficient, raising the prospect of disruption during the busy summer travel period.
Meanwhile, more than 400 workers employed by Edinburgh Airport Limited have also secured a two-year settlement after backing industrial action, with a 2026 uplift of 5.5%, alongside improvements to shift pay, sickness benefits, and paternity pay.
In 2027, they will receive a 4% increase or RPI inflation plus 0.5%, effective from January, with additional enhancements to wider terms and conditions.
Both agreements come following another agreement last week to avoid a strike at Aberdeen airport.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Hundreds of frontline workers have secured significantly improved deals after standing firm and refusing to accept poor offers. This outcome shows the strength of collective action and the willingness to strike if necessary.”
Unite industrial officer Carrie Donoghue added: “We are pleased to have delivered agreements for members at both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, removing the threat of strike action and ensuring stability during the peak travel season.”
