Flights at Edinburgh Airport could be affected over Christmas holidays as fuel tanker drivers strike
North Air is the only fuel supply company for airlines flying out of Edinburgh Airport - which Unite union says could mean a number of key routes are "directly impacted".
Tuesday 10 December 2024 12:15, UK
Flights could be affected over the festive season聽at Scotland's busiest airport due to strike action.
North Air fuel tanker drivers based at Edinburgh Airport are planning to walk out for almost three weeks in a dispute over pay.
The industrial action led by Unite union will begin at 5am on 18 December and end at 4.59am on 6 January.
Edinburgh Airport - which served 14.4 million passengers last year - is used by 35 airlines flying to 152 destinations.
As North Air is the only fuel supply company for airlines flying out of Edinburgh Airport, Unite is warning a number of key routes "will be directly impacted".
North Air said it was "disappointed" by the decision to strike but was "committed" to working with all parties affected to minimise potential disruption over the 19 days of action.
The pay dispute relates to a rejected 4.5% pay offer by North Air after "years of below-inflation pay increases", according to Unite.
The union said its members "overwhelmingly" backed strike action in a bid to secure a better offer.
However, Unite is claiming North Air refused to re-enter pay negotiations.
Carrie Binnie, Unite industrial officer, said: "North Air has no concern for their workers or the travelling public.
"Unite has had no option but to confirm imminent industrial action. North Air now has very limited time to resolve this dispute.
"The company's belligerence is at serious risk of causing widespread travel disruption at Edinburgh Airport over the festive season."
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North Air said it remains "open to discussion".
A spokesperson for the firm said: "We are disappointed at Unite's decision to proceed with industrial action at Edinburgh Airport.
"We successfully concluded negotiations with Unite at six other sites ahead of the annual review this summer, which has seen colleagues across the business receive a 4.5% increase in pay - significantly above current levels of inflation.
"We remain open to discussion and are committed to working with all parties to minimise the impact of any strike action over the festive period."
Edinburgh Airport said it was "disappointed" that the two parties are yet to reach a solution and urged them to "continue discussions".
A spokesperson added: "We're working with our airlines to understand their contingencies to minimise passenger disruption."