EASL workers secure 12% pay uplift and boost to shift rates and holidays

Unite the union has secured a double digit pay deal for workers based at Edinburgh Airport, Scotland’s leading aviation trade union confirmed today (Thursday 30 May).

Around 50 workers employed by EASL (Edinburgh Airport Services Ltd) backed a pay deal which delivers an increase in basic pay from £10.90 to £12.20 per hour along with enhancements to shift rates, sick pay, and holidays.

EASL workers undertake various roles including customer services, drivers, and baggage handlers. The company has been in operation since 2019 and Unite signed a recognition agreement with EASL in 2023.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite continues to deliver for our members across Scottish airports. The message is clear to all airport workers, if you want better jobs, pay, and conditions - join Unite.”

The pay deal includes:

  • 12 per cent increase in basic pay

  • 15 per cent increase in shift allowance

  • Overtime increased to time and a half

  • Double time or time off in lieu applicable to eight recognised holiday dates each year including Christmas and New Year

  • Access to company sick pay after six months rather than twelve months

Mary Alexander, Unite Scottish deputy secretary, said: “This is the first year of pay negotiations since we signed a union recognition agreement with EASL. 

 “We are delighted to have negotiated a pay deal which delivers a 12 per cent increase in pay, substantial increases in holidays, shift and overtime rates along with massive improvements to sick pay.”

 “The pay deal demonstrates that when you are a member of Unite you get better jobs, pay and conditions.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

 

This week, Unite launched its ‘Runway to Success’ plan for Scotland’s aviation workers. The plan focuses on improving the jobs, pay and conditions of all workers based at Scottish airports as part of a campaign to establish standards beyond the statutory minimum.

The principal aims of the Runway to Success campaign are: 

  • Remove zero hours, non-guaranteed hours and minimum hours contracts across all Scottish airports

  • Real Living Wage ‘plus’ as basic hourly pay

  • Improve hourly rosters to deliver a better work and life balance

  • Extend trade union recognition and collective bargaining agreements with all companies based at Scottish airports

  • Restore conditions removed during Covid and the outsourcing of employment including sick pay, holidays, and shift premiums

 

For media enquiries please contact Andrew Brady on 07810157922.

 

Email andrew.brady@unitetheunion.org

 

Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members. The union is led in Scotland by Derek Thomson.