Transport minister Jenny Gilruth has told bosses at Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) to focus on bringing an end to an industrial action stalemate which is set to shutdown lifeline flights for 44 days in a row.
Ultimately the bid is to get Loganair to call off its announced intention to completely cancel air services between the Western Isles and Inverness, which would cause chaos during the Easter holidays and possibly into the summer. Orkney and Shetland air services are also affected.
Loganair said work-
A Transport Scotland spokesperson told Hebrides News: “It is disappointing that Loganair have suspended these routes.
“Recovery of our connectivity post-
On Saturday morning, the Minister for Transport met the chair and managing director of HIAL to “stress the need for a timely resolution and has asked for a new business case to presented on Monday.
“A resolution needs to be found that is reasonable for HIAL employees, for public finances, and helps ensure airlines can maintain connectivity for the passengers and communities they serve.”
Disruption will hit health services, mail deliveries, tourism, and offshore workers travel.
Barra flights will not be affected and neither are air links to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
But cutting off the islands in the entirely possible prospect of ferries breaking down as well is a nightmare the Scottish Government will be keen to avoid.
Gilruth’s intervention comes against a backdrop of anger from airport workers’ over a pay offer below the current rate of inflation.
HIAL did not submit a revised formal offer when it meet with unions on 1 March so industrial action continues, including this week’s airport closures.
HIAL previously insisted it had explored all options for an improved pay offer but has now been tasked to recrunch their figures. That is likely to mean making cost savings within existing budgets but the transport minister wants the airport authority to find a revised deal acceptable to employees.
Inglis Lyon, HIAL’s managing director said: “The ongoing industrial action is having a significant impact on our airline partners and the announcement by Loganair to temporarily suspend some flights will cause considerable disruption for our island communities.
“At the meeting with the trade unions we sought, and obtained, clarity on the key elements on their claim in a bid to resolve the dispute. The unions appreciate HIAL’s position within the complexities of the wider public sector pay discussions.
“It is vital that we find a mutual solution to resolve this dispute and will now discuss our options within the parameters of public sector pay flexibility with the HIAL Board and Transport Scotland.”
Transport minister calls urgent meeting with airport chiefs over Loganair’s withdrawal of air services
5 March 2023
Jenny Gilruth