Latest news with #PatMcIlvogue
Glasgow Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow Airport strike: Everything we know so far
Unite has warned that around 800 airport workers across five different companies are set to walk out as workers go to the ballot in the next two weeks. The threat of strike action comes after Unite and airport bosses came to "no successful resolution" after weeks of being locked in talks. READ MORE: Holidaymakers warned ahead of summer strike action at Glasgow Airport The Glasgow Times has compiled a list of everything that we know ahead of the potential walkout. Will flights be grounded? Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has warned that the planned strikes could significantly disrupt air travel, potentially grounding planes and stranding passengers. Glasgow Airport has not yet confirmed whether it will shut down operations if the walkout proceeds. The strike action threatens to cause widespread travel disruption—last year alone, Glasgow Airport handled over 8 million passengers. Why are there strikes planned? Unite the Union has announced that workers across several key employers at Glasgow Airport—including ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation, Falck, and Glasgow Airport Limited—could be balloted for strike action. The union stated on Saturday that if disputes are not resolved in the coming days, it intends to move toward holding formal industrial action ballots within two weeks. At the core of the unrest are pay disputes and staffing concerns. A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited—including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers—have rejected a proposed 3.6% basic pay increase. Similarly, 50 firefighters employed by Falck, who are responsible for critical fire safety services at the airport, have also rejected the same 3.6% offer. In addition, around 250 ICTS Central Search staff—responsible for passenger screening and processing—are currently in dispute over issues related to understaffing, poor working conditions, and pay levels. READ MORE: Rail union launches strike ballot after 'unacceptable' pay offer When is the disruption expected? Industrial disruption at Glasgow Airport could coincide with one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Pat McIlvogue, Unite's industrial officer, has warned that strike action may take place during the peak summer season—specifically from mid-July—if ongoing disputes are not resolved. This timing would directly affect the Scottish school holidays, a period when many families are scheduled to travel. He stated: 'If the companies refuse to work with Unite to resolve these disputes, then we will have no option but to open strike ballots. This could mean strike action happening from the middle of July.' It has not been confirmed how long the strikes would last. Could holidaymakers fly out from a different airport? At Edinburgh Airport, union officials are also engaged in urgent negotiations. Workers employed by Menzies Aviation at the capital's hub have unanimously rejected a 4% pay offer. Roughly 300 workers—representing 100% of those balloted—voted against the deal, raising the likelihood of a strike that would similarly cause widespread disruption for travellers through Edinburgh. With talks ongoing at both major airports, Unite has made clear that unless improved pay offers and resolutions are reached soon, Scotland's aviation network could face significant operational strain by mid-summer. READ MORE: Police staff could strike in row over 'huge cuts' Is there a chance that the strikes won't go ahead? The strikes haven't been confirmed, and that means that there is still a chance they might not go ahead. It has been confirmed that talks are ongoing between the union and airport bosses. A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport said: "We have ongoing dialogue with Unite regarding a pay deal for our direct workforce." Phil Lloyd, senior vice president UK, Menzies Aviation, said: "Following the rejection of recent pay award proposals, we remain committed to seeking a resolution, and have in fact met with Unite today to make an enhanced offer, with a follow-up session scheduled. "We hope to reach an agreement which is workable for both the business and our employees at Glasgow Airport. "We continue to work towards an agreeable solution to protect services for our airline and airport partners and their customers." A spokesperson for Swissport said: "We are in dialogue with Unite – the talks so far have been constructive and we remain focused on working together to address the issues being raised." ICTS and Falck have been approached for comment.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Scots holidaymakers warned of summer chaos as hundreds of airport staff plan walkout
Passengers and planes could be grounded FLIGHTMARE! Scots holidaymakers warned of summer chaos as hundreds of airport staff plan walkout Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned of the potential for strike action at Glasgow Airport over the summer as more than 800 workers from five companies are involved in pay disputes. Unite the union said workers at Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation and Falck could be balloted for walkouts. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Staff at Glasgow Airport could strike later this year Credit: John Kirkby - The Sun Glasgow 3 Workers are caught up in a pay dispute with bosses Credit: John Kirkby - The Sun Glasgow The union said on Saturday that if there is no successful resolution to the disputes in the coming days, it will move towards holding votes on industrial action within two weeks. It warned strikes could "ground planes and passengers". Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said walkouts could be held from the middle of July. More than 100 Swissport workers are locked in a dispute about rotas and work-life balance, according to Unite. It said the company "is demanding that workers at extreme short notice have to work shifts at various times and for various durations, which is directly impacting on their personal lives". Unite said some Swissport staff are "struggling with chronic fatigue". A further 250 ICTS Central Search workers, who deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights, are currently involved in a dispute over under-staffing, working conditions and pay. A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited have rejected a basic 3.6% pay increase, with staff including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers involved. The same 3.6% pay increase was rejected by 50 Falck firefighters who perform fire safety functions at the airport. Meanwhile 300 Menzies Aviation workers, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers, have rejected a basic uplift worth around 4.25%. The union recently announced a series of what it said were wage wins for 100 North Air workers across Scottish airports, and more than 140 staff based at Glasgow Airport employed by ABM and OCS. Shock moment brazen Manchester Airport worker WEES on driver's Range Rover in long-stay carpark Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Hundreds of workers at Glasgow Airport are heading towards summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers. "The companies involved are all highly profitable and can easily afford to give our members better pay and working conditions. "The truth is that they are denying fair pay increases to cynically boost their profits." Mr McIlvogue said: "Unite is in dispute with companies at Glasgow Airport which could ultimately bring hundreds of workers out on strike. "The companies can resolve these disputes with Unite before that situation happens by addressing the legitimate concerns and pay aspirations of our members. "If the companies refuse to work with Unite to resolve these disputes, then we will have no option but to open strike ballots. This could mean strike action happening from the middle of July." A spokesperson for Swissport said: "We are in dialogue with Unite - the talks so far have been constructive and we remain focused on working together to address the issues being raised." Phil Lloyd, senior vice president UK, Menzies Aviation, said: "Following the rejection of recent pay award proposals, we remain committed to seeking a resolution, and have in fact met with Unite today to make an enhanced offer, with a follow-up session scheduled. "We hope to reach an agreement which is workable for both the business and our employees at Glasgow Airport. "We continue to work towards an agreeable solution to protect services for our airline and airport partners and their customers." Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, and Falck have been contacted for comment.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Holidaymakers issued warning as major UK airport faces massive strike
Travel chaos could erupt at Glasgow Airport this summer as more than 800 workers from five companies are involved in pay disputes and could go on strike Holidaymakers have been warned of the potential for strike action at Glasgow Airport over the summer as more than 800 workers from five companies are involved in pay disputes. Unite the union said workers at Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation and Falck could be balloted for walkouts. The union said on Saturday that if there is no successful resolution to the disputes in the coming days, it will move towards holding votes on industrial action within two weeks. It warned strikes could 'ground planes and passengers'. Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said walkouts could be held from the middle of July. More than 100 Swissport workers are locked in a dispute about rotas and work-life balance, according to Unite. It said the company 'is demanding that workers at extreme short notice have to work shifts at various times and for various durations, which is directly impacting on their personal lives'. Unite said some Swissport staff are 'struggling with chronic fatigue'. A further 250 ICTS Central Search workers, who deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights, are currently involved in a dispute over under-staffing, working conditions and pay. A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited have rejected a basic 3.6% pay increase, with staff including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers involved. The same 3.6% pay increase was rejected by 50 Falck firefighters who perform fire safety functions at the airport. Meanwhile 300 Menzies Aviation workers, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers, have rejected a basic uplift worth around 4.25%. The union recently announced a series of what it said were wage wins for 100 North Air workers across Scottish airports, and more than 140 staff based at Glasgow Airport employed by ABM and OCS. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Hundreds of workers at Glasgow Airport are heading towards summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers. 'The companies involved are all highly profitable and can easily afford to give our members better pay and working conditions. The truth is that they are denying fair pay increases to cynically boost their profits.' Mr McIlvogue said: 'Unite is in dispute with companies at Glasgow Airport which could ultimately bring hundreds of workers out on strike. 'The companies can resolve these disputes with Unite before that situation happens by addressing the legitimate concerns and pay aspirations of our members. 'If the companies refuse to work with Unite to resolve these disputes, then we will have no option but to open strike ballots. This could mean strike action happening from the middle of July.' A spokesperson for Swissport said: 'We are in dialogue with Unite – the talks so far have been constructive and we remain focused on working together to address the issues being raised.'
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Holidaymakers warned ahead of summer strike action at Glasgow Airport
Unite the union said workers at Glasgow Airport, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation and Falck could be balloted for walkouts. The union said on Saturday that if there is no successful resolution to the disputes in the coming days, it will move towards holding votes on industrial action within two weeks. It warned strikes could 'ground planes and passengers'. READ NEXT: Scotland's largest teaching union launch consultative ballot for strike action (Image: Image of Glasgow Airport) Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said walkouts could be held from the middle of July. More than 100 Swissport workers are locked in a dispute about rotas and work-life balance, according to Unite. It said the company 'is demanding that workers at extreme short notice have to work shifts at various times and for various durations, which is directly impacting on their personal lives'. Unite said some Swissport staff are 'struggling with chronic fatigue'. A further 250 ICTS Central Search workers, who deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights, are currently involved in a dispute over under-staffing, working conditions and pay. A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited have rejected a basic 3.6% pay increase, with staff including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers involved. The same 3.6% pay increase was rejected by 50 Falck firefighters who perform fire safety functions at the airport. Meanwhile 300 Menzies Aviation workers, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers, have rejected a basic uplift worth around 4.25%. READ NEXT: Global lifestyle brand to open first-ever store in Glasgow The union recently announced a series of what it said were wage wins for 100 North Air workers across Scottish airports, and more than 140 staff based at Glasgow Airport employed by ABM and OCS. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Hundreds of workers at Glasgow Airport are heading towards summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers. 'The companies involved are all highly profitable and can easily afford to give our members better pay and working conditions. 'The truth is that they are denying fair pay increases to cynically boost their profits.' Mr McIlvogue said: 'Unite is in dispute with companies at Glasgow Airport which could ultimately bring hundreds of workers out on strike. 'The companies can resolve these disputes with Unite before that situation happens by addressing the legitimate concerns and pay aspirations of our members. 'If the companies refuse to work with Unite to resolve these disputes, then we will have no option but to open strike ballots. This could mean strike action happening from the middle of July.' A spokesperson for Swissport said: 'We are in dialogue with Unite – the talks so far have been constructive and we remain focused on working together to address the issues being raised.' Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Menzies Aviation and Falck have been contacted for comment.
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
Scottish holidaymakers warned over looming strikes at Glasgow Airport
Unite the union said workers at Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation and Falck could be balloted for walkouts. The union said on Saturday that if there is no successful resolution to the disputes in the coming days, it will move towards holding votes on industrial action within two weeks. It warned strikes could 'ground planes and passengers'. READ MORE: Scottish architect firm appointed to save historic home of Robert Burns Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said walkouts could be held from the middle of July. More than 100 Swissport workers are locked in a dispute about rotas and work-life balance, according to Unite. It said the company 'is demanding that workers at extreme short notice have to work shifts at various times and for various durations, which is directly impacting on their personal lives'. Unite said some Swissport staff are 'struggling with chronic fatigue'. A further 250 ICTS Central Search workers, who deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights, are currently involved in a dispute over under-staffing, working conditions and pay. A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited have rejected a basic 3.6% pay increase, with staff including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers involved. The same 3.6% pay increase was rejected by 50 Falck firefighters who perform fire safety functions at the airport. Meanwhile, 300 Menzies Aviation workers, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers, have rejected a basic uplift worth around 4.25%. The union recently announced a series of what it said were wage wins for 100 North Air workers across Scottish airports, and more than 140 staff based at Glasgow Airport employed by ABM and OCS. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham (above) said: 'Hundreds of workers at Glasgow Airport are heading towards summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers. 'The companies involved are all highly profitable and can easily afford to give our members better pay and working conditions. 'The truth is that they are denying fair pay increases to cynically boost their profits.' McIlvogue said: 'Unite is in dispute with companies at Glasgow Airport, which could ultimately bring hundreds of workers out on strike. 'The companies can resolve these disputes with Unite before that situation happens by addressing the legitimate concerns and pay aspirations of our members. 'If the companies refuse to work with Unite to resolve these disputes, then we will have no option but to open strike ballots. This could mean strike action happening from the middle of July.'
