Unite the union, which represents members across eleven airports in the HIAL group, including those working in Fire and Rescue, Security and administration, has confirmed today, 6 December, that strike action will take place:

• commencing 19th December 2022 at 00:01 hours and concluding at 23:59 hours
• commencing 22nd December 2022 at 00:01 hours and concluding at 23:59 hours

Members of Unite voted by 73.5 per cent in favour of taking strike action and by 92.8 per cent in favour of taking action short of strike in a bid to improve pay for rural communities amid a cost of living crisis. 

The union has previously warned that strike action will cause huge disruption over the winter break and festive period. The workforce has already rejected a 5 per cent offer which they deemed unacceptable with inflation soaring to hit a 40-year high of 14.2 per cent (RPI).

The eleven airports across the HIAL Group are Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick.

Shauna Wright, Unite industrial officer said: 

 “Unite does not accept that HIAL, a private limited company wholly-owned by the Scottish Government, does not have the ability to increase the offer.

“Claims previously made that it is bound by funding obligations set by the Scottish Government, will not placate our members or settle this dispute. Unite is therefore calling on the Scottish Government as a matter of urgency to meet with us, the workers and HIAL and to put forward additional funding that will improve pay, terms and conditions in the Highlands and Islands and bring an end to this dispute.”

Inglis Lyon, HIAL’s managing director said: 

“We apologise in advance for the inevitable disruption this action by Unite colleagues will cause for our airlines and passengers. 

“Whilst recognising the financial challenges our colleagues face, we are disheartened that they will be taking strike action which will greatly inconvenience our passengers and local communities so close to the festive holiday period.

“We will liaise closely with our local teams, airlines, and partners to determine what can be done to minimise the disruption on both days.  Meantime, all communication channels remain open in a bid to avoid this strike action.   However, I would urge anyone intending to travel on these dates to keep in touch with their airline.”