Airports Gear Up for Pay Vote Ahead of the Summer Rush
Why the Friction? A Rough Pay Offer & Workers Feeling Unfair
Unite’s 300 ICTS Central Search crew at Aberdeen and Glasgow are set to vote on industrial action before the holidays. They’re demanding fair compensation for the critical security work they perform every day. The “miserable” 4 % pay rise backdated to January, coupled with a one‑off £500 bonus, has been rejected as simply not cutting it.
- Staff Numbers: 220 in Glasgow, 100 in Aberdeen.
- Core Role: Conducting security searches and processing passengers for flights.
- Unite’s stance: “We’ll fight for better pay and conditions – they deserve respect, not just a slap‑on‑the‑back.”
- ICTS response: “We’re still in talks; a generous 4 % base increase plus a lump sum is on the table, alongside 15‑28 % raises received in the last two years.”
What’s Driving the Vote?
The clear message from Unite leader Sharon Graham: the airports are profitable, yet workers are paid less than their value. The lack of a solid offer leaves only one route: a ballot that could lead to industrial action during the peak summer traffic.
The Workers’ Perspective
Pat McIlvogue, Unite’s aviation specialist, stresses the importance of these security checks: “Without the team, airports simply don’t run.” He insists that a fair pay proposal reflecting the significance of their roles must be presented.
Assurances from ICTS
An ICTS spokesperson assures pilots and passengers alike that even if talks stall, “security remains our top priority, and we will not cause any disruptions.” The company hints at broader company-wide increases, hoping to smooth out tensions before the holiday surge.
So, mark your calendars: before the summer break hits, a balloting process will decide whether these airport workers stand on the sidelines or take a firm stand. The outcome? One thing’s for sure – it’s about time the practical and the protective keep pace.
