News / Airport security staff dispute set for resolution
SCOTTISH airport group HIAL has made an offer to security staff at Sumburgh and other airports in an effort to end the dispute which led to a 48-hour walkout earlier this month.
The Prospect trade union said on Wednesday that it was pleased to announce it would be recommending HIAL’s offer to its members.
“We believe this offer provides a realistic opportunity to settle our long-running dispute with HIAL over the unequal treatment of our members working in security company AMSL,” Prospect’s national secretary Alan Denney said.
“If agreed, there will be an alignment of terms and conditions over the next 20 months.”
The union will begin balloting members at the end of this week, with the ballot closing on 5 May. During that time, security staff’s current “work to rule” action will be suspended.
Denney said progress had been made since Prospect’s AMSL employees held a two-day strike following the Easter weekend break.
The dispute centred on Prospect’s view that, since bringing security in-house six years ago, HIAL had failed to agree equal pay, holidays and sick pay for security workers.
HIAL said that following a meeting on Wednesday, the two sides had reached agreement “in principle” to resolve the dispute.
Its managing director Inglis Lyon said: “A revised offer was made to Prospect today which we understand will be the subject of a consultative ballot.
“Both parties have compromised and in so doing have secured some long term stability for the business. We are pleased at the progress we have made and believe that the agreement reached today delivers a balanced package of improvements to pay and conditions for security staff.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
