ICTS Central Search workers reject ‘derisory’ pay offer

Unite the union has warned of a summer of travel ‘chaos’ after its ICTS Central Search members rejected a pay offer, the UK’s leading aviation trade union confirmed today (19 April).

Around 250 ICTS workers based at Glasgow Airport emphatically voted by 94 per cent to reject a ‘derisory’ 5 per cent offer which equates to a significant real terms pay cut. Inflation figures published this week show the cost of living crisis remains historically high with RPI standing at 13.5 per cent.

The Central Search workers deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights. The workers also cover mobile patrols, control access posts, screen all deliveries and deal with emergency services at Glasgow Airport.

The trade union says that it will have no option but to move towards an industrial ballot if the company does not significantly improve its pay offer. Last summer, Unite secured an increase of up to 15 per cent from £10 to £11.50 per hour for the workers but ICTS is refusing to move on its ‘derisory’ pay offer this year.

Pat McIlvogue, Unite regional industrial officer, said: “Around 250 ICTS Central Search workers have emphatically rejected a derisory pay offer which represents a massive pay cut in real terms.  Unless the company improves upon its current offer then Glasgow Airport faces a summer of travel chaos because it simply can’t operate safely and efficiently without these essential workers. We are encouraging ICTS to heed the warning before this dispute escalates potentially to strike action.” 

ENDS