Stornoway flights for Edinburgh over Christmas risk being grounded by an airport strike in the capital.
North Air fuel tanker drivers based at Edinburgh Airport are set to take continuous industrial for nearly three weeks during the festive period after failing to reach an agreement over pay.
Loganair’s air routes to the islands could be grounded into the New Year warns Unite the union.
Strike action will begin at 5am on Wednesday of next week (18 December) continuing each day until 5am on 6 January.
The union warned last week North Air had to make an improved pay offer if strike action was to be avoided over the festive period.
Despite Unite’s efforts to resolve the dispute to avoid widespread travel disruption,
North Air has allegedly refused to re-enter pay negotiations.
The pay dispute relates to a rejected 4.5% offer by the company, following years of below inflation wage increases.
In a vote, Unite members overwhelmingly backed strike action in a drive to secure a better pay offer..
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary said: “North Air is a highly profitable company that can fully afford to make a fair offer to our members but has refused to do so.
“Unite will always support our members in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
North Air provides refuelling services for domestic and international airlines who fly into and out of Scotland’s largest airport in Edinburgh.
A number of key routes will be directly impacted by strike action as North Air is
the only fuel supply company providing services to domestic and long-haul flights
from Edinburgh airport.
Loganair’s air links from Edinburgh to the islands could be directly impacted while long haul links including United Airlines to New York and Emirates to Dubai may also be affected. along with
Carrie Binnie, Unite industrial officer, said: “North Air has no concern for their workers or the travelling public.”
“Unite has had no option but to confirm imminent industrial action. North Air now has very limited time to resolve this dispute.
“The company's belligerence is at serious risk of causing widespread travel disruption at Edinburgh airport over the festive season.”
A North Air spokesperson said: “We are disappointed at Unite’s decision to proceed with industrial action at Edinburgh Airport.
“We successfully concluded negotiations with Unite at six other sites ahead of the annual review this summer, which has seen colleagues across the business receive a 4.5% increase in pay – significantly above current levels of inflation.
“We remain open to discussion and are committed to working with all parties to minimise the impact of any strike action over the festive period.”
Edinburgh flights over Christmas could be grounded by strike action
10 December 2024
