Edinburgh Airport strikes in Scotland to cause disruption this September
What you need to know if your flight is cancelled
Passengers travelling through Edinburgh Airport in September face disruption, as more than 100 workers employed by OCS Group have announced a series of strikes in a dispute over pay.
The industrial action, backed by Unite the Union, follows the rejection of a £12.60 per hour wage offer, which workers say amounts only to the Scottish living wage minimum.
Who is striking?
The workers involved provide essential assistance to passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair services and the use of ambulift vehicles. According to Unite, these roles are vital to ensuring accessibility at Scotland’s busiest airport.
The union argues that management has “insulted” staff by offering what they describe as a “poverty pay offer,” rather than recognising the value of the work carried out.
When will the strikes take place?
A series of 48-hour strikes are planned throughout September on the following dates:
- 3–4 September
- 7–8 September
- 11–12 September
- 14–15 September
- 18–19 September
- 21–22 September
- 25–26 September
If no agreement is reached, disruption could continue beyond these dates.
Impact on passengers
The strike action is expected to cause difficulties particularly for travellers requiring mobility assistance at Edinburgh Airport. With reduced staff availability, wait times for wheelchair support, boarding, and disembarkation services may increase.
Wider disruption to flight schedules is possible, although flights themselves are not directly operated by the striking staff.
Compensation rights under EC 261
It is important for passengers to note that because the strike involves airport service subcontractors and not airline staff, delays or cancellations resulting solely from this action do not qualify for EC Regulation 261/2004 compensation.
However, airlines remain responsible for providing care and assistance in the event of delays or cancellations. This includes offering meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation where necessary, and alternative flights or refunds.
Written by Jerrymie
Jerrymie Marcus got in touch with EUclaim due to a 4-hour delay. Through EUclaim, the marketing specialist received €600 in compensation.
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