It wouldn’t be summer holiday season without a bit of travel disruption. This year, strikes are already sweeping through Europe’s airports, with walkouts in Spain, Italy and Germany causing headaches for holidaymakers.
And the UK certainly isn’t escaping from aviation-related industrial action this summer. Glasgow Airport is the next major British air travel hub that could next be impacted by strikes. Dozens of workers are planning to walk out later this month as part of action timed to coincide with one of the city’s biggest holiday periods
Planning on flying in or out of Glasgow in late July? Here’s everything you need to know, so that you can plan ahead and avoid the worst of the strike action.
When are the Glasgow Airport strikes this summer?
The strike is set to run for 48 hours, kicking off at 6am on Wednesday July 24 and finishing at 5.59am on Friday July 26.
The strike falls during Glasgow Fair fortnight, the city’s long-standing July holiday when thousands of locals head off for their summer break.
Why are Glasgow Airport staff striking?
Short answer: money.
Slightly longer answer: workers’ current pay deal is up for negotiation, and airport bosses have apparently offered a 4 percent pay rise. Around 100 staff – including engineers, airside support officers and airport ambassadors – have said that’s not good enough, with 98.7 percent voting to strike.
Unite, the union representing the striking workers, says Glasgow Airport is offering the lowest pay rise of any employer on-site, despite being the most profitable. And they’re accusing the company of ramping up the row instead of resolving it.
As Unite’s Pat McIlvogue put it: ‘It is the only company escalating a dispute and they seem to be spoiling for a fight rather than trying to resolve the dispute.’
Meanwhile, two other disputes at the airport are also bubbling away. Around 250 security workers (employed by ICTS) and 100 ground-handling staff (employed by Swissport) have been offered revised deals, which are now going to a new ballot. If those offers are rejected, further strikes could follow.
Which airlines will be affected?
No airlines have announced cancellations yet, and airport representatives say there are contingency plans in place to keep things running smoothly. If the strike goes ahead, any airline flying in or out of Glasgow could well be affected.
If you’re travelling during that period, potentially expect delays, longer queues, and slower turnarounds. Definitely bring a book (or two).
Can I get compensation if a flight is affected by strikes?
Probably not. Because the striking workers are employed by the airport – not the airlines – the disruption is likely to be classed as an ‘extraordinary circumstance’. That means airlines aren’t legally required to offer compensation under UK passenger rights rules.
That said, airlines still owe customers a duty of care. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you should be offered a refund or an alternative flight, plus food, drinks and accommodation if you’re stuck for a while.
What have employers and Glasgow airport said about the strikes?
Glasgow Airport says it is ‘extremely disappointed’ that strike notice has been served. A spokesperson for AGS Airports (which owns and operates the airport) said:
‘We have been in talks with Unite since March during which time we have made several improved and fair offers against a backdrop of a challenging operating environment.
‘We have tabled an offer of 4 percent, which represents an above-inflation pay increase. Despite reaching agreement with 80 percent of our staff across AGS Airports over pay, our offer has been rejected by 75 members of staff at Glasgow Airport who, through Unite, have informed us they wish to embark on strike action.
‘We will now proceed with our contingency plans to ensure we minimise any disruption for our airlines and passengers.’
The airport has also said it remains open to finding a ‘sensible resolution’. Let’s hope there’s a fair offer in time for Fair fortnight.
All the strikes and industrial action to know about at European airports this summer.
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