Optimism is high that union members who walked out on strike at north airports earlier this month will accept an improved pay and conditions deal they are currently being balloted on.
The ballot papers went out last Friday. The verdict is expected next Tuesday (May 5) afternoon.
Prospect union national secretary Alan Denney said: “We’re confident that members will support our recommendation to approve the offer.”
His members were asked if they were prepared to accept the pay offer as set out in a letter from Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial) managing director Inglis Lyon. A simple majority will decide the issue.
In the event of a rejection – which is thought highly unlikely – it is understood that the union would then seek further talks with management.
The offer followed a 48-hour strike by security staff at airports across the north that Hial runs on behalf of the Scottish Government – Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick. Dundee was the only airport to close for the duration of the walkout.
The union had threatened more stoppages if contracts were not improved.
Hial was concerned that, despite awarding a 30% basic pay rise over the past six years, Prospect had pressed for a basic increase of 5% and “equalisation” with Hial’s terms and conditions, which management claimed would amount to an almost 30% increase in pay.