Flights could be cancelled at Edinburgh Airport over the festive period as tanker drivers strike in a dispute over pay.
Members of the Unite union who work for North Air provide refuelling services for domestic and international airlines who fly into and out of Scotland’s largest airport.
The union rejected the offer of a pay increase of 4.5% after what it says are years of below inflation rises.
Despite attempted mediation by Acas, there has been no improved offer from the company and members backed a motion to strike.
Unite has now announced that its drivers will take 19 days of continuous strike action beginning at 05:00 on 18 December and continuing each day until 04:59 on 6 January.
Routes which could be directly affected include flight to New York and Dubai, as well as Loganair services to the islands.
The union says S&JD Robertson North Air Ltd is a profitable company who in their latest accounts registered an increase in pre-tax profits up from £1.1m in 2022 to £1.9m in 2023. Turnover similarly increased by £33.2m to £40.4m over the same time period.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary said: “North Air is a highly profitable company that can fully afford to make a fair offer to our members but has refused to do so.
“Unite will always support our members in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
Carrie Binnie, Unite industrial officer, said: “North Air has no concern for their workers or the travelling public.
“Unite has had no option but to confirm imminent industrial action. North Air now has very limited time to resolve this dispute. The company's belligerence is at serious risk of causing widespread travel disruption at Edinburgh airport over the festive season.”
A spokesperson for North Air said: “We are disappointed at Unite’s decision to proceed with industrial action at Edinburgh Airport.
“We successfully concluded negotiations with Unite at six other sites ahead of the annual review this summer, which has seen colleagues across the business receive a 4.5% increase in pay - significantly above current levels of inflation.
“We remain open to discussion and are committed to working with all parties to minimise the impact of any strike action over the festive period.”
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