Scottish government should help end airports dispute – Carmichael
Adam Guest
Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Alistair Carmichael, has called on the Scottish government to intervene in the HIAL-Prospect dispute which could lead to strike action at Sumburgh and several airports next week.
Talks between the union and the regional airport operator are to be held tomorrow in a bid to avert a 48-hour strike from 7th April backed by Prospect members.
It will affect all Highlands and Islands airports. The union is wanting better terms and conditions for security staff of HIAL owned Airport Management Services Limited (AMSL).
But HIAL said a near 30 per cent increase in wages was unreasonable.
Mr Carmichael said:”This is the first time in the year that we will see significant tourist numbers to the Northern Isles, never mind local people wanting to get away during the school holidays.
“A disruption of this sort at this time could have a serious impact on local tourism and businesses. That is why we need Scottish ministers to get round the table with HIAL and its subsidiaries. It is Scottish government pay policy that lies at the heart of this dispute.”
Harry Dent
“It is Scottish government pay policy that lies at the heart of this dispute.”
Pots and kettles, Mr Carmichael, pots and kettles.
Most people think the MPs’ pay rise was “unreasonable”, but they didn’t have to withdraw their labour to get it.
Which is a shame, when you think about it.