UK: ATC workers in Scotland to strike May 23 /update 2

Event

Air traffic controllers (ATC) at airports operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) are planning to hold a 24-hour strike, on Thursday, May 23. The strike announcement comes after unsuccessful negotiations over unpaid overtime wages; ATC workers also indicated that they will continue a work-to-rule action, in effect since April 1, and that they would not work any overtime until August 31.

Seven of the 11 airports operated by HIAL have been impacted by the industrial action, including Benbecula (BEB), Dundee (DND), Inverness (INV), Kirkwall (KOI), Stornoway (SYY), Sumburgh (LSI), and Wick John O'Groats (WIC). Additional strike actions are possible if the air traffic controllers' demands are not met.

Flight delays and cancelations are to be expected at Scottish airports for the duration of the industrial action.  

Context

ATC workers at HIAL airports have been engaged in a dispute over unpaid overtime wages since April 2018. A similar strike scheduled for April 26 - amid an ongoing work-to-rule action first launched on April 1 - was suspended to allow for negotiations.

Advice

Individuals flying via the abovementioned airports in Scotland are advised to monitor the situation, confirm the status of their flights, and anticipate consequent delays and cancelations.