Prestwick Airport strike: Last-ditch talks to take place as war of words breaks out

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Union chiefs have hit back in a war of words over impending strike action at Prestwick Airport.Staff are to begin a series of walkouts which are due to last four weeks at the height of the summer season.Services will be impacted when workers down tools each Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from August 5.Airport bosses yesterday slammed the "confrontational approach" of officials at trade union Unite, claiming most staff were happy with a pay offer which would have seen pension employer contributions increase by two per cent.But Unite chiefs say 78 per cent of members on an 84 per cent turnout backed the strike action, which will see security staff, firefighters, airfield operators, ground crew, ground handling, cargo customer service workers down tools.Unite represents more than 80 workers at the flight hub where management are refusing to pay shift allowances and meet the Real Living Wage (£9.90) rate for new starters.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.Workers have demanded a significant wage increase with inflation reaching a 40-year high at 11.7 per cent.The last offer on the table for the workforce was between four and 6.5 per cent.Talks are due to reconvene this afternoon in a last-ditch attempt to reach a deal that meets the aspirations of the workers before strike action occurs.Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Prestwick Airport management