Air traffic controllers at HIAL airports have today rejected the latest management pay offer.

David Avery, Prospect negotiations officer, said:

“Prospect members in HIAL have overwhelmingly rejected the revised pay offer made by HIAL.

“The work to rule which was suspended during the ballot will restart tomorrow (Saturday 29 June).

“Prospect will meet with Representatives on Monday to consider the ballot result prior to a meeting with HIAL on Thursday 4 July to try and resolve this dispute and reach an offer which is acceptable.”

A spokesperson for HIAL said:

“Throughout this process, the government has been clear that the pay remit for 2018/19 could not be reopened, however they permitted HIAL to develop a retention allowance in a bid to resolve the dispute.

“Prospect received a formal proposal from the company on 3 June 2019, and following further discussion the offer, based on a retention allowance, was enhanced and Prospect agreed to ballot their members. At the same time, they also agreed to suspend all industrial action, including the work to rule, pending the outcome.

“The offer was made within the parameters of the Scottish public pay policy in a bid to resolve the dispute to the satisfaction of both parties. We have encouraged Prospect to meet and discuss an alternative solution within the flexibilities afforded to the company.”