Unite has confirmed that nearly 700 workers are set for summer strike action in pay disputes with companies based at Edinburgh, and Glasgow airports. 

Around 370 workers employed by Edinburgh Airport Limited at the capital's airport backed strike action over a pay dispute. In Glasgow around 320 workers employed by ICTS and Menzies Aviation are also set to strike after a majority of workers in ballots backed industrial action after the rejection of unacceptable pay offers. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Workers across Scotland’s largest airports have overwhelmingly backed summer strike. This is a direct result of their very profitable employers’ refusal to make a fair pay offer.”  

“The workers have no other option and the blame for this situation lies entirely with wealthy companies choosing to boost profits before people." 

Unite will announce strike dates in the coming days with industrial action expected to occur during the peak of the summer holiday rush coinciding with the World Cup, and the Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow. 

A ballot involving approximately 70 ICTS members based at Aberdeen airport in a dispute over a further unacceptable pay offer will close on 28 May. 

Carrie Donoghue, Unite industrial officer, said:  “Strike dates will be set in the coming days. Strikes will severely disrupt planes and passengers during an extremely busy period with the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and summer holidays. 

“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.” 

ENDS


Notes to Editors: 

Around 370 Edinburgh Airport Limited workers balloted include airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers. The company made £144.4m in profit in its latest recorded accounts for year ending 2024, up from £88.2m in 2023. 

Around 150 ground services crew employed by Menzies Aviation at Glasgow set for industrial action include dispatchers, allocators, airside agents, and controllers. Menzies Aviation recently announced record 2025 results of $3 billion in global revenue. 

170 ICTS workers at Glasgow airport deal with passengers directly in the security search areas and process them for flights. The parent group ICTS (UK) Limited recorded its latest annual accounts with Companies House in April, which show profits of £7.6m in 2025 up from £4.4m in the previous year. 

For media enquiries please contact Andrew Brady on 07810157922.Email andrew.brady@unitetheunion.orgUnite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members.