Wick airport will not be affected by strike action, Hial says
Wick John O'Groats Airport will operate as normal during industrial action scheduled for later this month.
Unite members who work for Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (Hial) have announced strike dates on Monday, December 19, and Thursday, December 22.
They are involved in a dispute over pay and terms, with 73.5 per cent voting in favour of taking strike action and by 92.8 per cent in favour of taking action short of strike.
The workforce has rejected an 'unacceptable' five per cent offer with inflation soaring to hit a 40-year high of 14.2 per cent (RPI).
However, Hial says it has already offered an enhanced offer to workers and says any inflation-matching rise in pay is unrealistic.
The airport operating company says its airports at Wick, Inverness, Campbeltown, Dundee, Islay and Tiree will be unaffected by the strike action on the two days.
Barra, Benbecula, and Sumburgh airports will be closed on Monday, December 19, and Thursday, December 22.
Stornoway Airport will operate on a limited basis, opening between 1pm and 7.45pm on both days.
Kirkwall Airport will also operate on a limited basis, opening between 7.15am and 1pm on both days for inter-island flights only.
Passengers who intend to travel to or from these airports on these days should contact their airline for further information on their flight.
Inglis Lyon, Hial’s managing director, said: “We deeply regret the disruption and inconvenience to our airline partners, passengers, and local communities that this action will cause.
“Against the backdrop of unprecedented financial pressures, we presented an enhanced pay offer to colleagues that maximised the flexibility within the Scottish Government’s pay policy, which Hial is bound by.
“We recognise the challenges colleagues face due to inflationary pressures and the cost-of-living crisis. However, the claim for a rise of at least RPI is unrealistic, and any further offer must be met from cost savings within existing budgets.
“We will continue dialogue with the trade unions in an attempt to avoid further industrial action.”
Unite the Union has confirmed that medical and other emergencies will be serviced from all Hial airports on both days.