Scottish government should help end airports dispute – Carmichael

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.”

ONE COMMENT

Add Your Comment
  • Harry Dent

    • April 2nd, 2015 14:11

    “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.

    REPLY

Add Your Comment

Please note, it is the policy of The Shetland Times to publish comments and letters from named individuals only. Both forename and surname are required.

Comments are moderated. Contributors must observe normal standards of decency and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The views expressed are those of contributors and not of The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Times reserves the right to decline or remove any contribution without notice or stating reason.

Comments are limited to 200 words but please email longer articles or letters to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk for consideration and include a daytime telephone number and your address. If emailing information in confidence please put "Not for publication" in both the subject line and at the top of the main message.

200 words left

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.