Airport talks continue

TALKS to prevent a 48-hour walkout by security staff at all eleven airports operated by Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL) next week are set to continue into Thursday.

Representatives from the trade union Prospect met with HIAL management earlier on Wednesday.

At lunchtime both parties issued a joint statement saying they were hopeful to be able to make a further announcement on Thursday.

It read: “Discussions will continue over the next 24 hours and the parties are hopeful of making a further announcement at that point.”

The union argues that staff employed by HIAL’s security company Airport Management Services Ltd (AMSL) should enjoy equal terms and conditions with other airport staff.

HIAL has rejected the union demand for what it says amounts to a 30 per cent pay rise.

A company spokesman said on Tuesday that HIAL had already increased basic pay over the past six years including a new pension plan, and remained committed to improving the terms and conditions of Prospect members, over time.