Glasgow Airport faces strike over pay, pension

Glasgow Airport

The union Unite Scotland said on Tuesday its membership at Glasgow Airport voted for industrial action over a pay claim for 2019 and proposals to close the airport’s final salary pension scheme.

The union said that in a 75% turnout, 95% voted for industrial action.

Glasgow Airport is owned by AGS Airports Limited, which is jointly held by Spain’s Ferrovial and AGS Airports International Sarl, a Luxembourg company that is majority owned by Australian infrastructure investor Macquarie.

“Unite members are expected to take action during mid-April to mid-October, with an overtime ban to take place in the same period,” said the union.

“The airport closing the pension scheme and pay offer of 1.8%, despite posting huge profits, represents a real terms pay cut and loss to our members.”

Pat McIlvogue, Unite regional industrial officer, said: “The overwhelming support and high turnout shows the strength of hundreds of Unite members at the airport.

“The offer on the table is an insult while the boardroom enjoys pre-tax profits of £91 million.”

A spokesman for Glasgow Airport said it was “extremely disappointed” at the decision.

“We have made a pay offer that is entirely fair and reasonable against a backdrop of declining passenger numbers,” he said.

“The consultation on proposals to close our final salary pension scheme is still ongoing, however, with employer contributions anticipated to rise significantly above the current level of 19.8% it is simply no longer affordable or sustainable.

“To suggest we have broken any agreements with Unite in regards to the company’s pension arrangements is simply incorrect …

“We are committed to continuing negotiations with the trade unions and have sought the intervention of the conciliation service Acas in attempt to achieve a sensible and sustainable outcome.

“In the event of strike action, we will implement our contingency plans to avoid any disruption for our airlines and passengers.”