Union considers latest offer from airport operator

THE PROSPECT union is consulting its members about the latest pay offer from Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL).

Prospect says strikes are suspended until a ballot has been taken on the offer, made following talks between the union and HIAL on Tuesday, but staff are still “working to rule”.

Prospect negotiator David Avery said that the union would not be commenting on the detail of the offer.

He said: “Prospect has received a pay offer for all HIAL staff, including Air Traffic controllers who are currently in dispute. We are consulting our members on the offer. While we do so no further strike days are planned but the work to rule remains in place.”

HIAL said that its fresh offer “augmented” the previous proposal and that Prospect had confirmed there would be no further strike action during the ballot period, the duration of which was unconfirmed. Prospect has yet to confirm the timescales for the ballot.

HIAL Managing Director Inglis Lyon, said: “We submitted a revised offer in a bid to resolve the current industrial dispute. Prospect has advised they will ballot air traffic control officers on that offer.

“Whilst we are pleased that there will be no further strike action during the consultation period, it is extremely disappointing that the current work to rule remains in place.

“I once again apologise to our passengers, customers and people within our communities for any disruption caused during the ongoing industrial action.”