Hundreds of Scottish airport staff vote for summer strike action

Hundreds of workers at Scotland's two busiest airports have backed taking strike action over the summer in a row over pay.

Nearly 700 staff at Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports voted in favour of walking out, potentially during the World Cup and Commonwealth Games, as well as the school summer holidays.

Trade union Unite said the action, which involves staff working for three different employers, would cause severe disruption to services, with dates to be announced in due course.

A further ballot involving 70 staff at Aberdeen Airport, in a further dispute over pay, is ongoing and will close on 28 May.

Around the 370 of the workers employed by Edinburgh Airport Limited are airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers, and managers.

In Glasgow around 320 workers employed by ICTS and Menzies Aviation - with roles in ground services and dealing with passengers directly in security search areas - will walk out.

Unite's general secretary Sharon Graham said the strikes were due to "wealthy companies choosing to boost profits before people" and an improved pay offer is needed.

Carrie Donoghue, an industrial officer with Unite, 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."