Pay deal secures rise up to 18 per cent  

Unite the union can confirm today (5 April) a pay deal at Prestwick Airport which will deliver the real Living Wage and a pay uplift that rises up to 18 per cent for workers.

The trade union has secured significant improvements to the pay, terms and conditions of over 80 workers. The pay deal guarantees as a minimum the real Living Wage (RLW) of £10.90 per hour, and a minimum uplift of 6 per cent this year. 

There is an additional cost of living payment of £750 for those earning £10.90 per hour, and £1,250 for all other employees within the bargaining unit. The deal further secures a commitment to a regrading exercise which will see many of the workers gaining a pay rise of up to 18 per cent.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has secured significant improvements to the jobs, pay and conditions of our members at Prestwick Airport. It’s a deal which is worth up to 18 per cent for some workers, and it ensures that all workers are paid the real Living Wage as a minimum. Unite does what it says on the tin: we deliver for our members.”

There is also a 4 per cent pay increase for all grades committed for next year, which is subject to review if inflation (CPI) rises above 6 per cent in January 2024.

Unite represents workers including airport security, firefighters, airfield operators, ground crew, ground handling, cargo, customer services, and cleaners. Prestwick Airport is a cargo base and hosts significant numbers of military flights and refuels from North America, along with domestic and international commercial flights.

Siobhan McCready, Unite industrial officer said: “We are pleased to secure a pay deal at Prestwick Airport which delivers valuable benefits for Unite members.  Basic pay, holidays and call-out payments have all been improved along with a guarantee of no zero hour contracts at the airport. All workers will also receive as a minimum the real Living Wage. It’s a deal overwhelmingly backed by our members and we are pleased to get it over the line to help them meet the cost of living crisis.” 

The airport was taken into public ownership in November 2013 after being purchased by the Scottish Government for £1.

ENDS