Over 80 tanker drivers and airfield operators who provide refuelling services for airlines who fly into and out of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Kirkwall , Sumburgh and Stornoway have won a 4.2 per cent wage backdated to April. A five per cent increase to shift allowances and overtime rates was also successfully negotiated.
The Trade Union Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“North Air workers across Scotland’s major, rural and island airports have secured a good pay deal. It’s another boost to their overall, pay and conditions at the airports which Unite has been able to successfully achieve for these key aviation workers in recent years.”
The latest pay win builds on the recent successes at ICTS Glasgow airport screeners, Highlands and Islands Airport workers and Aberdeen airport cleaners employed by Bidvest Noonan.
Carrie Donoghue Unite industrial officer, said:
“Unite is delighted to get these wage wins across the line for North Air workers. Unite continues to deliver increases to basic pay and shift allowances for aviation workers and the deals got the overwhelming backing of our members.”
Unite also recently launched a new safety campaign “Abuse Doesn’t Fly’ following the results of a survey which revealed Scottish airports workers regularly face abuse, aggression and assault.
The campaign is asking the travelling public to be fully aware of their behaviour towards airport workers alongside demanding airport employers and police authorities immediately enact a number of safety measures to protect workers.
The survey of over 300 workers at the nation’s major airports – Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow – revealed that there are unacceptable levels of abuse from travellers.
