Nearly 700 airport workers at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to launch strike action this summer.
The dispute centers on pay offers.
>>> BTS Arirang World Tour Sparks Las Vegas Museum Exhibition and Business Surge
The industrial action threatens severe disruption for passengers during the peak summer holiday season. It also coincides with the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Around 370 employees at Edinburgh Airport Limited are involved. At Glasgow Airport, approximately 320 workers from ICTS and Menzies Aviation are taking part.
Unite the Union said Edinburgh staff include airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers.
In Glasgow, 170 ICTS employees handling security search areas and passenger processing are involved, alongside roughly 150 Menzies Aviation ground services crew members.
"Workers across Scotland’s largest airports have overwhelmingly backed summer strike," said Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary. She blamed corporate management decisions regarding staff compensation.
"This is a direct result of their very profitable employers’ refusal to make a fair pay offer," Graham said.
She criticized the companies for prioritizing profits over employee welfare.
"The workers have no other option and the blame for this situation lies entirely with wealthy companies choosing to boost profits before people," Graham added.
Unite officials said the formal timeline for industrial action would be established shortly. "Strike dates will be set in the coming days," said Carrie Donoghue, Unite industrial officer.
>>> Tennessee Judge Sets $1 Million Bond for Courthouse Shooter Livestreamer
Donoghue emphasized that the timing would maximize impact.
"Strikes will severely disrupt planes and passengers during an extremely busy period with the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and summer holidays," she said.
She urged the aviation firms to reconsider their financial proposals.
"The companies need to reflect on their workers' anger and frustration shown by the willingness to take strike action and get back round the table with improved pay offers," Donoghue said.
In response, a Menzies Aviation spokesperson expressed regret over the union's decision.
The company defended its compensation packages, noting they have consistently increased above inflation since the Covid pandemic.
"We have engaged constructively throughout and put forward a fair and workable offer for all parties that recognises the challenging operating environment caused by the Middle East conflict," the spokesperson said.
Management said it hopes an amicable resolution can be reached soon.
Additionally, a ballot involving approximately 70 ICTS workers at Aberdeen Airport over an ongoing pay dispute is scheduled to close on May 28, 2026.
>>> BTS Returns to Las Vegas for Massive Arirang World Tour
Edinburgh Airport management confirmed that constructive pay talks were held through ACAS on Thursday, with further discussions scheduled for early next week.
