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HIAL confirms strikes won't affect Wick and Inverness flights


By John Davidson

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Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd has said that strike action at its airports later this month will not affect flights at Wick and Inverness.

The Unite union said on Monday that strikes were "inevitable" when it announced a series of dates of action affecting "all 11 airports".

Unite confirmed that its members would take strike action on February 21-23.

It also said members at Dundee Airport would take strike action on February 17 and February 20.

Flights from Wick John O'Groats Airport will operate as normal during the industrial action by Unite members. Picture: Alan Hendry
Flights from Wick John O'Groats Airport will operate as normal during the industrial action by Unite members. Picture: Alan Hendry

But HIAL says that Wick John O'Groats and Inverness airports, along with Campbeltown, Dundee and Islay, will be operating as normal on the scheduled strike days.

Barra, Benbecula, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh and Tiree airports will be closed for flights from Tuesday, February 21 to Thursday, February 23.

Inglis Lyon, HIAL’s managing director, said: “We apologise in advance for the disruption this action by Unite colleagues will cause for our airlines and passengers.

"I would urge anyone intending to travel on these dates to contact their airline.

“The enhanced offer we presented maximised the flexibility within the Scottish Government’s pay policy. However, we remain in dialogue with Transport Scotland and the trade unions in an attempt to resolve the matter.”

Members of Unite working at HIAL rejected a five per cent offer which they deemed unacceptable, quoting the Retail Price Index of inflation rising to 13.4 per cent.

Unite represents security staff, baggage handlers and ground crew along with those working in fire and rescue, security and administration.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Inflation is at a generational high yet the HIAL group believe a substantial real terms pay cut is what our hard working members deserve. This is completely unacceptable.

“Strike action is now inevitable and this is entirely the fault of airport management and the Scottish Government. Unite will fully support our members in the fight for better jobs, pay and conditions across the Highlands and Islands.”

The union urged the Scottish Government to get involved in negotiations by meeting its representatives.

Shauna Wright, Unite industrial officer said: “Unite believes our hard working members who keep the airports operating in isolated and rural communities across Scotland deserve far more than what is currently on the table.

“Unite is once again calling on the Scottish Government to meet with us, the workers and HIAL management to fund an improved pay offer, and to deliver more investment in these communities."

Members of Unite voted in December by 73.5 per cent in favour of taking strike action and by 92.8 per cent in favour of taking action short of strike.

A Scottish Government spokesperson added: “We absolutely respect the democratic right of union members to take industrial action – though it is disappointing that passengers face the prospect of further disruption. We encourage HIAL and Unite to continue to engage in positive dialogue in order to resolve this dispute.”


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