Transport secretary should help end air traffic control dispute, says north MSP
A NORTH MSP has called on Scotland's transport secretary Michael Matheson to try and find a resolution to the ongoing pay dispute between air traffic controllers and Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial).
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Edward Mountain spoke out after the latest offer by the company was rejected by the Prospect union members who include staff at Wick John O'Groats Airport.
Mr Mountain said: "I am extremely disappointed that the dispute continues to drag on. The reinstatement of industrial action could not have come at a worse time with the school summer holidays set to begin.
"It is no longer acceptable for this SNP government to remain hiding in the shadows as it is they that stipulate what can be offered.
"I would urge the cabinet secretary to put his holidays on hold so he can find a resolution, which will mean that Highlanders and Islanders don’t miss theirs."
Prospect received a formal proposal from the company on June 3. Following further discussion, the offer – based on a retention allowance – was enhanced and Prospect agreed to ballot its members. At the same time, they agreed to suspend industrial action, including the work to rule, pending the outcome.
The government said the pay remit for 2018/19 could not be reopened but it allowed Hial to develop a retention allowance in a bid to resolve the dispute.
Company managing director Inglis Lyon said: "We are obviously disappointed that our latest offer has been rejected by air traffic control officers, despite enhancing our formal offer following last-minute discussions with Prospect.
"It is unfortunate that the industrial action has been reinstated during the peak holiday period and I would like to apologise in advance to our passengers, customers and local communities for the disruption this will inevitably cause.
"The offer was made within the parameters of the Scottish public pay policy in a bid to resolve the dispute to the satisfaction of both parties. We have encouraged Prospect to meet and discuss an alternative solution within the flexibilities afforded to the company."
The work to rule was reinstated at the weekend.
"At this stage, we have not received any further proposals for strike action," Mr Lyon added.
David Avery, Prospect negotiations officer, said: "Our members in Hial have overwhelmingly rejected the revised pay offer. The work to rule which was suspended during the ballot restarted at the weekend."