Holidaymakers flying out of Glasgow Airport this summer may face huge disruption due to potential strikes.
Unite has warned that around 800 airport workers across five different companies are set to walk out as workers go to the ballot in the next two weeks.
The threat of strike action comes after Unite and airport bosses came to "no successful resolution" after weeks of being locked in talks.
READ MORE: Here's when repairs on this A-listed Renfrewshire building are expected to begin
The Glasgow Times has compiled a list of everything that we know ahead of the potential walkout.
Will flights be grounded?
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has warned that the planned strikes could significantly disrupt air travel, potentially grounding planes and stranding passengers.
Glasgow Airport has not yet confirmed whether it will shut down operations if the walkout proceeds.
The strike action threatens to cause widespread travel disruption—last year alone, Glasgow Airport handled over 8 million passengers.
Why are there strikes planned?
Unite the Union has announced that workers across several key employers at Glasgow Airport—including ICTS Central Search, Swissport, Menzies Aviation, Falck, and Glasgow Airport Limited—could be balloted for strike action.
The union stated on Saturday that if disputes are not resolved in the coming days, it intends to move toward holding formal industrial action ballots within two weeks.
At the core of the unrest are pay disputes and staffing concerns.
A total of 120 workers employed by Glasgow Airport Limited—including airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers—have rejected a proposed 3.6% basic pay increase.
Similarly, 50 firefighters employed by Falck, who are responsible for critical fire safety services at the airport, have also rejected the same 3.6% offer.
In addition, around 250 ICTS Central Search staff—responsible for passenger screening and processing—are currently in dispute over issues related to understaffing, poor working conditions, and pay levels.
READ MORE: 'Major' event to be held for the 'first time' at XSite Braehead in June
When is the disruption expected?
Industrial disruption at Glasgow Airport could coincide with one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Pat McIlvogue, Unite’s industrial officer, has warned that strike action may take place during the peak summer season—specifically from mid-July—if ongoing disputes are not resolved.
This timing would directly affect the Scottish school holidays, a period when many families are scheduled to travel.
He stated: “If the companies refuse to work with Unite to resolve these disputes, then we will have no option but to open strike ballots. This could mean strike action happening from the middle of July.”
It has not been confirmed how long the strikes would last.
Could holidaymakers fly out from a different airport?
At Edinburgh Airport, union officials are also engaged in urgent negotiations.
Workers employed by Menzies Aviation at the capital’s hub have unanimously rejected a 4% pay offer.
Roughly 300 workers—representing 100% of those balloted—voted against the deal, raising the likelihood of a strike that would similarly cause widespread disruption for travellers through Edinburgh.
With talks ongoing at both major airports, Unite has made clear that unless improved pay offers and resolutions are reached soon, Scotland’s aviation network could face significant operational strain by mid-summer.
READ MORE: Popular Renfrewshire attraction could get new cycle hub and toilet facility
Is there a chance that the strikes won't go ahead?
The strikes haven't been confirmed, and that means that there is still a chance they might not go ahead.
It has been confirmed that talks are ongoing between the union and airport bosses.
A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport said: "We have ongoing dialogue with Unite regarding a pay deal for our direct workforce."
Phil Lloyd, senior vice president UK, Menzies Aviation, said: "Following the rejection of recent pay award proposals, we remain committed to seeking a resolution, and have in fact met with Unite today to make an enhanced offer, with a follow-up session scheduled.
"We hope to reach an agreement which is workable for both the business and our employees at Glasgow Airport.
"We continue to work towards an agreeable solution to protect services for our airline and airport partners and their customers."
A spokesperson for Swissport said: "We are in dialogue with Unite – the talks so far have been constructive and we remain focused on working together to address the issues being raised."
ICTS and Falck have been approached for comment.
Share