Passengers travelling through Glasgow Airport (GLA) this summer can breathe a sigh of relief after planned strike action by nearly 400 airport workers was called off following the acceptance of improved pay deals.
Employees working for security contractor ICTS and ground handling provider Menzies Aviation voted in favour of revised offers, removing the threat of disruption during the busy summer holiday period and major international sporting events.
Improved Pay and Conditions for Airport Staff
Approximately 230 ICTS employees, who work in security search areas and assist passengers before departure, have accepted a two-year agreement. The deal includes a 5% increase in basic pay, enhanced shift allowances backdated to Jan. 1, and an additional bank holiday.
The agreement also provides further improvements from January 2027, including an increase linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) plus an additional 1% rise in both basic and shift pay rates.
Meanwhile, around 160 Menzies Aviation employees working in ground operations have accepted a separate one-year pay deal. Staff, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers, will receive a 4.4% pay increase backdated to January, followed by a minimum 5% increase from July 1.
According to trade union Unite, some workers could see their pay rise by as much as 11.1% under the new agreement.
Busy Summer Travel Period Protected
The resolution is particularly significant given the expected increase in passenger numbers throughout the summer months. Glasgow Airport (GLA) is one of Scotland’s busiest aviation hubs, welcoming millions of travellers each year.
Unite industrial officer Carrie Donoghue said the agreements mean there will be “no disruption at Glasgow during the extremely busy summer period”.
As negotiations continue elsewhere, Glasgow Airport’s successful resolution provides welcome certainty for travellers preparing for a busy summer season.
Disputes Continue at Other Scottish Airports
While the situation at Glasgow Airport has been resolved, industrial relations issues remain at other Scottish airports.
At Aberdeen Airport (ABZ), two groups of workers recently accepted new pay agreements, including ICTS staff and airport employees working in administration, airfield operations, engineering and firefighting services. However, a separate ballot involving ICTS Hold Baggage Screening security staff remains open until June 17.
Meanwhile, around 370 employees at Edinburgh Airport (EDI), including airport ambassadors, engineers, managers and airside support officers, remain involved in an ongoing pay dispute.
Are you travelling through Glasgow Airport this summer? Let us know your thoughts on the agreement and whether you were concerned about potential strike disruption.
