Workers at Dundee Airport could march out on strike as early as next month over a long-running pay dispute.
That is the warning from the trade union Prospect, which represents more than 300 staff at Highlands & Islands Airports Limited (HIAL).
The union had intended to ballot its 33 members at Dundee Airport on Monday but a last-minute legal challenge was made by HIAL, forcing the postponement of the vote.
The ballot is now expected to be held in the next few days. If approved, it will see firefighters, air traffic controllers, engineers, fuel staff and check-in personnel walk out en masse for a day of industrial action.
Staff are unhappy that they are paid up to £10,000 less than their counterparts at the other 10 airports run by HIAL. This is due to the airport being the only one in the group wholly owned by Scottish ministers and as such is governed under the Public Sector Pay Policy, thus limiting salary-raising powers.
Bosses at HIAL say negotiations with Prospect have failed to reach a solution and it looks increasingly likely that the strike will go ahead.
HIAL managing director Inglis Lyon said there are ”few options” open to the company, adding: ”We are bonded by the Scottish Government’s pay policy. A new offer was put before staff who have since rejected it and I understand that a ballot is planned.”
If the ballot is successful union members will take one-day strike action followed by an overtime ban which would affect late-running aircraft from London City airport and other flights due to the non-availability of firefighting crews and air traffic staff.
Prospect national secretary Alan Denney called for a ”roadmap of harmonisation” bringing members’ pay in line with other HIAL airports.
Dundee Airport, he added, would be obliged to close after normal rostered hours if overtime was not worked. The airport may also find itself short-staffed on other days if employees are absent on leave or at training courses.
”Members at Dundee have a simple objective: fair treatment,” Mr Denney said.