Travelers passing through Glasgow Airport could face major disruptions this summer, as approximately 100 staff members are set to walk out in a 48-hour strike from 06:00 on Thursday, July 24, until 05:59 on Saturday, July 26, Unite the union has confirmed.
The industrial action—timed during Scotland’s peak Fair Fortnight holiday season—comes after prolonged negotiations failed to resolve a pay dispute between airport workers and management. Those participating include engineers, airport managers, and airside support officers, all essential to the smooth running of airport operations.
Union: Airport Profitable, But Pay Offer Falls Short
Unite the union said its members overwhelmingly backed strike action, with 98.7% voting in favor, following what it described as a “below expectations” 4% pay increase offer from Glasgow Airport Limited. The airport was recently acquired by AviAlliance in a £1.53 billion (€1.8 billion) deal, increasing pressure on the new ownership to address workers’ concerns.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said,
“Summer strike action is now inevitable unless Glasgow Airport’s owners come to their senses. We will support our members every step of the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
Unite regional officer Pat McIlvogue criticized the company’s stance:
“Glasgow Airport Limited is making the lowest pay offer despite being the most profitable company at the airport. They seem more interested in escalating this dispute than resolving it.”
Airport Responds: Offer ‘Above Inflation’
In response, AGS Airports, which operates Glasgow Airport, expressed disappointment over the strike, defending its pay offer as “fair and above inflation.”
“We have tabled an offer of 4 per cent, which represents an above-inflation pay increase,” a company spokesperson told The Scotsman.
“Despite reaching agreement with 80 per cent of our staff across AGS Airports over pay, our offer has been rejected by 75 members of staff at Glasgow Airport.”
AGS confirmed it is activating contingency plans to minimize impact on passengers during the walkout.
Other Disputes Resolved – But Not All
While many other disputes at the airport have been resolved—such as:
- 250 ICTS security search staff accepting a 5% raise,
- 300 Menzies Aviation workers securing increases between 4% and 10%,
- 50 Falck firefighters agreeing to a 4.5% increase, and
- 140 ABM and OCS workers settling wage disputes—
Another group of 100 Swissport ground staff remains in disagreement over rotas and health and safety concerns. A new proposal is under review, with a full industrial action ballot still possible if negotiations fail.
Peak Travel Period Under Threat
With striking employees covering crucial airside operations and passenger services, delays and disruption could be widespread. While airport management has pledged to maintain service levels, travelers are advised to check flight updates and prepare for potential interruptions.
The standoff at Glasgow Airport underscores wider tensions across the aviation sector, as unions push for higher wages amid inflation and rising airport profits.
