Further strike action and disruption at Aberdeen Airport has been averted, with workers choosing to accept a new pay offer, ending a long-running dispute over pay.
Around 150 members of staff staged two walkouts last month amid an ongoing disagreement with employer AGS Airports.
Unite the union had branded the firm’s actions a “coordinated attack” on workers’ pensions – coming at a time where “their employer is creaming off the profits”.
It said that the company, which also operates Glasgow Airport, was not keeping to previously-made agreements about finances.
As a result Unite announced a series of strikes with the intention of causing “widespread disruption” over the summer.
Initial talks to avert the move broke down and, on June 7 and 10, firefighters, taxi marshals and airfield operations workers in Aberdeen and Glasgow were among those who downed tools and took to the picket lines for 12-hour demonstrations.
Aberdeen Airport drafted in staff from elsewhere to cover the shortfall and said the industrial action had led to minimal consequence for passengers, with no delays and very little additional queuing.
It invited the union to further talks, which led to the postponement of further walk-outs – planned for last week – while they worked to thrash out a deal acceptable to staff.
On Monday Unite announced that the discussions had been proving fruitful and that it would be balloting its members on a new settlement.
And last night it confirmed that 98% of those affected had their say, with almost two-thirds in acceptance of the new terms and conditions on offer.
In a statement revealing the result of the consultation, Unite regional organiser Shauna Wright said: “Unite can confirm that its membership at Aberdeen Airport has voted to accept the latest offer on a 98% turnout, with 60% voting in acceptance.
“This now ends the dispute at Aberdeen Airport.”
Steve Szalay, managing director of Aberdeen Airport, said: “We welcome the outcome of the ballot which has seen staff vote to accept the company’s offer.
“Together with our staff we now look forward to continuing to focus on delivering for our passengers.”