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SPAA comments on confirmation of strike action at Glasgow Airport

2nd April 2019

Staff at Glasgow Airport have announced a 24-hour strike on 16 April.

Unite members at the airport were balloted on strike action in a row over pay and pensions and 95% voted for industrial action.

The union said almost 500 workers at the airport will take part in the strike between 04:00 on 16 of April and 04:00 the following day.

Ken McLeod, president of the Scottish Passenger Agents' Association which represents Scotland's travel agents, says:"The ballot by Glasgow Airport staff in favour of taking strike action, along with an overtime ban between May and October, isn't good news for the travel trade, or the travelling public. With uncertainty over the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, customers are naturally hesitant to commit to holiday dates that many feel will be impacted by whatever outcome is finally agreed. This is despite assurances from not only the Government, but also ABTA and the EU stating that flights will not be impacted this summer, no matter what the ultimate outcome on Brexit might turn out to be.

"The added threat of industrial action at two of Scotland’s main airports - Glasgow and Aberdeen - doesn’t help in any circumstances, because whatever the rights and wrongs leading to this possible strike action, it doesn’t do anyone any good, and will just drive those passengers to Edinburgh who will happily soak up the extra business. Many workers at both strike airports may lose out on pay, which will impact just as much as winning the argument with the airport authorities. Hopefully common sense will prevail, and some resolution can be found to allow customers to go ahead with their business and holidays plans, without another barrier to travel being put in their way, in what are already difficult times for all of us in this country."

The SPAA, founded in 1921, is the world’s oldest organisation representing travel agents. It currently has 120 members and 92 associate members across the travel and transport industry. www.spaa.org