Highland Airports To Remain Open Despite Strike Threat

27th March 2015

Industrial action by Prospect: statement by HIAL .
HIAL rejects unreasonable 30% pay claim.
Offers to consider more realistic claim.
Insists airports will open as normal.

Regional airport operator HIAL has moved to reassure passengers that its airports will open as normal despite the threat of industrial action by members of Prospect, the union which represents some Airport Management Services Limited (AMSL) staff at HIAL's airports.

It follows confirmation that Prospect members are to stage industrial action following HIAL's refusal to accept union claims for a near 30% increase in pay for AMSL staff.

HIAL has worked constructively to address the union’s concerns and remains willing to engage with Prospect. Below, we set out the steps we have taken to improve pay, terms and conditions for AMSL staff:
· Security staff were transferred from a third party contractor to a new HIAL subsidiary company, AMSL, in July 2009.
· Since then, and in an attempt to address low pay provisions, AMSL staff have enjoyed an 30% increase in basic pay over five years.

· A new pension scheme has also been introduced, a significant improvement given that no provision previously existed. The generous scheme provides for company support of three times that of the individual.

Prospect is pushing for a series of measures amounting to an almost 30% pay increase for some of its members: this comprises a basic pay rise, equilisation with HIAL’s terms and conditions, and parity with Sumburgh employees.

The latter demand is particularly unreasonable given that wages at Sumburgh are traditionally higher than on the mainland because of the higher cost of living, low unemployment rates and a buoyant oil based economy which has traditionally attracted higher wages.

As outlined above, we have taken steps to improve pay, terms and conditions for AMSL staff and we are prepared to discuss further improvements with Prospect. However, the union has refused HIAL requests to enter into negotiations or consider a more reasonable pay claim. They have now confirmed their intention to take industrial action.

HIAL is governed by the Scottish Government pay policy and cannot accede to Prospect’s unrealistic demands. However, we remain open to further dialogue with Prospect and to continuing our constructive approach.

Even at this late stage, we hope that industrial action can be averted. However, passengers can be assured that we will work hard to keep any disruption to a minimum and ensure that a near normal service can be provided.

Given the unrealistic nature of the claim, at almost 30%, Prospect have been asked to modify their claim and highlight which elements they would be prepared to negotiate on, but have thus far refused. HIAL, on the other hand, remains open to further negotiation.