Around 50 workers employed by Edinburgh Airport Services have accepted a 12% pay increase and boosts to their shift rates and holidays.
The employees, who are members of trade union Unite and are based at Edinburgh Airport, undertake various roles including customer services, drivers and baggage handlers. The organisation has been in operation since 2019 and signed a recognition agreement with Unite back in 2023.
As part of the pay deal, they will receive an increase in basic pay from £10.90 to £12.20 per hour, along with enhancements to shift rates, sick pay and holidays. It includes a 12% rise in basic pay, a 15% increase in shift allowance, an overtime increase to time and a half, double time or time off in lieu applicable to eight recognised holiday dates each year, including Christmas and New Year, and access to sick pay after six months rather than 12 months.
Mary Alexander, Scottish deputy secretary at Unite, said: “This is the first year of pay negotiations since we signed a union recognition agreement with Edinburgh Airport Services. We are delighted to have negotiated a pay deal which delivers a 12% increase in pay, substantial increases in holidays, shift and overtime rates along with massive improvements to sick pay. Unite continues to deliver for our members across Scottish airports. The pay deal demonstrates that when you are a member of Unite, you get better jobs, pay and conditions.”
Edinburgh Airport Services was contacted for comment prior to publication. The organisation also offers its employees a pension scheme, a discretionary bonus scheme, flexible working, free car parking, two paid days of volunteering leave per year, discounts at airport retailers and food outlets, and access to its online benefits portal EAL Rewards for discounts and savings at high street retailers, supermarkets, attractions, gyms and restaurants.
