Basic pay uplifted by 34 per cent over two years

Unite has secured a significantly improved pay deal for ICTS Search workers based at Glasgow Airport, the UK’s leading aviation trade union confirmed today (Thursday 1 June).

Around 250 workers at ICTS Central Search will now receive a phased increase worth up to 11 per cent. This will uplift hourly pay to £12.77 in August compared with last year’s rate of £11.50. Hourly pay has increased by 34 per cent over two years from £9.50 an hour in 2021.

The offer was emphatically backed by 78 per cent of Unite members on a 97 per cent turnout.

The Central Search workers deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights. They cover mobile patrols, control access posts, screen all deliveries and deal with emergency services at Glasgow Airport.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has secured another significant wage deal at Glasgow Airport, which has been emphatically backed by our members. Around 250 ICTS Search workers will now have their basic pay increased by up to 11 per cent over the course of this year. Unite does what it says on the tin: we deliver better jobs, pay and conditions for our members.”

The wage deal will see a number of other improvements to the terms and conditions of Unite members. This includes no zero hours contracts and a move to guaranteed hours; the creation of 20 full time equivalent posts; and significant increases to shift allowances. 

Pat McIlvogue, Unite regional industrial officer, said: “Unite is pleased to secure another good news story for our members at Glasgow Airport. The basic pay of ICTS Search workers has increased by over 34 per cent in the space of two years. That’s something our reps can be really proud of delivering.

It’s important also to say that we achieved this deal successfully through negotiations. This deal should resonate around the other companies based at Glasgow Airport who still refuse to pay our members what they deserve and if they do not move then we will have no option but to ballot on industrial action. ”

Unite announced on 9 May that hundreds of members based at Glasgow Airport could be balloted on strike action. Following the ICTS Search pay deal, the remaining companies where Unite remains in a pay dispute are: Glasgow Airport Ltd, OCS, ABM and Falck Fire Services UK. Unite members across these companies undertake various roles including cleaning, airport security, airport fire safety, airfield operations officers, and engineering technicians.

ENDS