More strike action looms at Sumburgh Airport

MORE strike action could take place at Sumburgh Airport later this month in an ongoing dispute over pay in the Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) network.

HIAL said on Friday evening that Unite the Union has confirmed that it intends to call upon members at a number of airports to take strike action “commencing at 00:01 on 21 February 2023 and continuing up to 23.59 on 23 February”.

Sumburgh is implicated, as well as Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Inverness, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Tiree. Two different strike days could also take place at the airport in Dundee.

It follows previous strike action across the HIAL network on 19 and 22 December.

HIAL said in a statement: “We are currently liaising closely with our local teams and airlines to determine the impact of this industrial action and the potential disruption for passengers, and will post further updates and information on our website and airport social media channels.

“Meantime, we would advise passengers who intend to travel on these days to keep in touch with their airline.”

The last offer from government owned HIAL comprised of a five per cent basic pay award to all staff earning less that £80,000, and a four per cent basic pay award to all staff earning more that £80,000.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham previously said: “These workers provide a lifeline, connecting the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

“The work they do is vital in maintaining these communities. They should therefore expect and deserve a pay increase that reflects that.”