Fire and security staff at Dundee Airport have called off planned strike action after accepting an improved pay offer from Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (Hial).
Members of Prospect – a union which supports engineers, scientists, managers and specialists – had planned to take part in strike action at the airport on March 13 and March 17.
However, those plans were called off after Hial provided the union with an improved pay offer.
Both members of Unite and Prospect later approved the offer in a ballot on March 20.
Those earning £44,000 or less will receive a 7% boost, with a 5% rise for those earning less than £80,000.
A 4% increase has been granted to those earning above £80,000.
Workers at all 11 Hial airports had planned to take part in the strike action, which was supported by 71% of Prospect members in a ballot.
Union ‘pleased dispute can be brought to an end’
Jane Rose, Prospect Negotiator, said: “We are pleased that Prospect members have accepted this new deal and the dispute can now be brought to an end.
“Our members at Hial provide a vital service for the Highlands and Islands and deserve to have their work and skills properly compensated.
“This deal has required compromise from all involved and I thank Scottish Ministers for giving Hial the authority to reach a deal.
“It is clear there are wider pay structure issues which remain to be addressed and we look forward to working constructively with Hial to tackle these as we move, almost immediately, into 2023/24 discussions.”
Hial apologise for disruption
Inglis Lyon, managing director of Hial said: “We are pleased that the enhanced offer has been accepted by colleagues.
“The most recent offer exceeded the original flexibility of the Scottish Government pay policy, providing a 7% salary uplift for those earning £44,000 or less, a 5% uplift for those earning up to £80,000, with 4% over that salary level.
“We are sorry that the industrial action and route suspensions have caused considerable disruption for passengers and our customers, particularly for those on our island communities who rely on our airports to support essential and lifeline services.
“We also apologise for the significant impact the action has had on our airline partners.
“This positive result will provide our partner airlines with the certainty they require to plan air connectivity for their passengers.”
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