Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (Hial) close to landing a deal with union after long-running pay dispute
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AIR traffic controllers will be recommended to accept an offer which would end a long-running pay dispute with Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (Hial).
Negotiations have been going on for several months and have included a series of strikes at several airports – including Inverness – as well as employees working to rule.
This has caused disruption for some passengers.
But following further talks this week, Hial and Prospect union have negotiated an offer to be put to union members to resolve the dispute.
The offer covers the period April 2018 to April 2021 and is worth at least nine per cent over the three years with an additional £9000 over the period of the deal for a fully qualified controller.
Prospect will consult its members next month with the ballot closing on January 3. It is recommending that members vote to accept the offer.
David Avery of Prospect said: “This offer means the potential for disruption for the public travelling to and from the Highlands and Islands is lifted.
"The deal has required compromise on both sides and I would like to thank Scottish ministers for giving Hial the authority to reach a deal. We will be consulting our members in December and recommending that they accept the offer.”
The offer sees air traffic controllers receiving the 2019/20 pay increase already awarded to other Hial staff, along with a commitment to a similar award in 2020/21 subject to any change in Scottish Government’s pay policy. In addition, a retention payment has been agreed for a three-year period.
Hial managing director Inglis Lyon said: “After a lot of hard work and effort from all parties we have now arrived at an offer that Prospect will recommend to their members. This offer not only addresses the current dispute, but also recognises the worldwide skills shortage in air traffic control and helps us to secure future service delivery and provide sustainable aviation services for our communities.”
Related article: Progress in Highland air traffic control talks
