Aberdeen Airport's security staff are set to walk out of work for 14 days from Monday, threatening chaotic scenes at Scotland's north-east gateway as they demand better pay. Members of the Unite union employed by ICTS HBS Security will take industrial action after talks mediated by conciliation service Acas broke down.
Union officials warn that the strikes could cause significant disruption to baggage screening operations, with their members making up the majority of staff in this role. Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, says ICTS's profits should be used to fund a decent pay increase for her members, accusing the company of prioritising profits over people.
This strike action contrasts sharply with recent developments at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, where new pay deals were agreed upon without disruption, demonstrating that resolutions can be found through negotiation. Unite members at Aberdeen had previously shown overwhelming support for industrial action, underlining their determination to secure better wages.
"ICTS HBS Security appears to prefer causing massive disruption rather than working with us to resolve this dispute," said Paula Buchan, Unite's industrial officer. "Strike action will lead to substantial delays and I urge the company to return to negotiations with a fair offer for our members."
Unite has successfully resolved two separate pay disputes at Aberdeen Airport in recent times, involving ICTS central search and Aberdeen Airport Limited workers. Both airports have been approached for comment on the impending strikes.