Strike could close Aberdeen Airport

Aberdeen airport could shut over three days due to strike action, after a proposed pay deal was rejected.

Unite members did not accept a 2.8 per cent pay rise, with the union still looking for a 3 per cent increase to bring wages level with staff at Glasgow International Airport.

Both are owned by the same company, AGS Airports.

A spokesman for Aberdeen International Airport said a closure would be the “worst case scenario” but stressed they remained “optimistic” of reaching an agreement.

Around 170 members are set to take to the picket line on Friday, Thursday 2 August and Thursday 16 August.

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Tommy Campbell said: “The latest pitiful effort by Aberdeen International Airport to end this dispute has been overwhelmingly rejected by Unite members.

“The workers and the public will be baffled as to why airport management are refusing to pay to end this dispute today and in doing so will cause more financial harm and damage to their reputation.”

“Unite remain open to further discussions with a view to resolving the dispute if the company start to behave responsibly.”

Members voted to strike with 88 per cent of workers rejecting a previous pay offer.

The action will involve workers in security and airfield operations, airside services, firefighters, operations officers and passenger service agents.

A spokesman for Aberdeen International Airport said: “We are disappointed to have our latest proposal rejected and are in ongoing discussion with Unite. We remain optimistic that we will resolve matters without any impact on operations at the airport.”