Industrial action mooted as Highland air traffic control row continues
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Union members have reiterated opposition to centralising Highland air traffic control services in Inverness.
Air traffic members of Prospect have indicated a willingness for industrial action regarding the plans by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL).
The union's latest survey showed members were supportive of modernising HIAL’s air traffic control infrastructure but believe that this should be delivered at each airport rather than centralised in Inverness – adding it would protect highly skilled jobs in rural communities, remains cheaper and would be easier to deliver.
The vast majority of members have also indicated that they are not prepared to relocate to Inverness regardless of the relocation terms offered.
The union said this could result in nearly 50 staff being made redundant with HIAL needing to recruit a similar number in Inverness at "very significant expense to the taxpayer".
The survey also shows that members, who are experts within their field of air traffic management, oppose the decision to downgrade both Benbecula and Wick aerodromes, reducing the level of safety provision at those two airports.
Prospect negotiations officer David Avery said: “Prospect members in HIAL are absolutely committed to protecting and serving their local communities. That is why they are opposing this deeply damaging project which will reduce services at two airports, take £2.2 million of direct employment out of local economies and put nearly 50 staff out of a job.
“Prospect never undertakes industrial action lightly but members feel they have been left with no choice but to support action to defend their communities. Prospect members are currently considering the form of action they might take so as to minimise the impact on local communities particularly during the ongoing pandemic.
“Prospect received an invitation to further talks with HIAL yesterday evening and is considering its response.”
HIAL managing director Inglis Lyon said: “We were made aware of the outcome of Prospect’s survey among our air traffic colleagues and we are very disappointed they are considering industrial action. Such action is disruptive for our communities, businesses, travellers and airlines at any time, but is even more so during the current pandemic and at a time when the aviation industry is severely impacted by the effects of the virus.
“We wish to avoid industrial action and have therefore written to Prospect to suggest we engage the services of an external facilitator to help resolve matters and we await a response.
“We categorically refute Prospect’s claims of 50 staff redundancies. From the outset, we have been clear that HIAL has a no compulsory redundancy policy and we are exploring all options with our colleagues.”
