(Image: Getty)
Workers at Edinburgh Airport have secured a 5 per cent ‘inflation-beating’ pay rise, a leading trade union has announced.
Unite the Union members have approved a two-year pay deal negotiated with Edinburgh Airport Services Ltd (EASL), including a 5.75 per cent increase in basic pay and a 5 per cent increase in shift pay.
Workers will also receive a one-off £230 bonus, as the deal was backdated to January.
“This is a good deal for our members at Edinburgh Airport which builds on the recent progress made with the company,” general secretary Sharon Graham said.
EASL workers at the airport are involved in a number of roles, including customer services, baggage handling and drivers.
Edinburgh Airport workers have received a 5 per cent pay rise. (Image: Gordon Terris)
Unite industrial officer Carrie Donoghue said: “Our members overwhelmingly backed this deal.
“It will increase pay and shift rates above the rate of inflation alongside a one-off payment to recognise the hard work our members do for EASL at Edinburgh airport.”
A spokesperson for Edinburgh Airport also welcomed news of the deal.
"We are pleased to have reached an agreement that rewards and acknowledges the hard work of our staff,” they said.
The pay increase comes amid a time of growth for the airport, which unveiled an ambitious £500 million expansion last month.
The five-year project is the first phase of a wider “investment vision”, which will include the construction of new gates and aircraft stands, as well as an expanded check-in hall and departure lounge.
In total, the airport's terminal footprint will be increased by 60 per cent. New retail and food areas, international arrival facilities and baggage reclaim areas will be built.
Edinburgh Airport's new brand identity. (Image: Supplied)
“This £500 million investment underscores our confidence in the airport’s growth prospects and our long-term commitment to supporting its development,” a spokesperson for airport owners VINCI and GIP said.
“It will enable us to increase its capacity while delivering an ever higher quality experience for passengers, thereby consolidating Edinburgh’s role as Scotland’s leading international gateway.”
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Earlier this month, the airport rolled out a new brand identity as part of the investment drive.
“It’s incredibly exciting that one of my first actions as chief executive is to launch a new brand that reflects the enormous success Edinburgh Airport has experienced and our ambition to build on it," said CEO Mark Johnston, who recently stepped into the top chair.
“We’ve grown to become Scotland’s busiest airport and cemented our position as Scotland’s gateway to the world, and our brand needs to reflect the airport we are today and where we want to go next. This is another important part of our future.
“We have ambitious plans for the airport and for the role we play in connecting Scotland with the world and this new identity reflects that ambition.”