Workers at Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) are to be balloted on industrial action after rejecting a 5% pay offer from the employers.

Trade union Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham said: 

“These workers provide a lifeline, connecting the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The work they do is vital in maintaining these communities. They should therefore expect and deserve a pay increase that reflects that. The cost of working in communities like this is higher than in many of our urban centres and the cost of living crisis is making this unaffordable. HIAL bosses must make a realistic pay offer to avoid escalating this into a full industrial dispute.”

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) is responsible for the management and operation of 11 regional airports at Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick John O’Groats.

Shauna Wright, Unite regional officer said: 

“Our members provide a crucial role for the airport from firefighting and security to customer service, this pay award affects all our members across all grades and does nothing for the retention and the recruitment of staff on islands. Unite remain open to dialogue to seek a solution however all members deserve more and they deserve a pay that’s in line with the cost of living.