Breakthrough in Highlands and Islands air traffic controllers' dispute

A BREAKTHROUGH in the north air traffic controllers' dispute will see a work to rule come to an end at 5pm today.

After further negotiations between the Prospect union and Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (Hial), a preliminary agreement has been reached that will form the basis of an offer to be put to staff.

According to a Prospect spokesperson, "a number of details need to be concluded so there will be further talks this week and a ballot will follow shortly".

Hial managing director Inglis Lyon said: “We are pleased to advise that our talks to resolve the current air traffic control dispute have progressed and Prospect will put our revised offer to their membership.

"Following a further meeting this week to finalise the detail, Prospect will recommend the offer to their members.

“Prospect has confirmed it will lift the work to rule during the period while the offer is under consideration, which we welcome. The work to rule will cease at 5pm today [Tuesday] and a full service will be available to cover out-of-hours service provision.”

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