COMPANIES at Glasgow Airport “denying fair pay increases to cynically boost their profits” could push more than 800 workers into strike action during the peak summer holiday season, their union warned today.

Five separate disputes are under way at the airport and unless deals are struck soon strike ballots will be launched, according to Unite the Union’s industrial officer, Pat McIlvogue.

He said: “If the companies refuse to work with Unite to resolve these disputes, then we will have no option but to open strike ballots.

“This could mean strike action happening from the middle of July.”

More than 100 Swissport workers “struggling with chronic fatigue” remain in dispute with the firm, which demands they work shifts at “extreme short notice,” the union says.

At ICTS Central Search, 250 security workers are fighting against understaffing and pay, while 300 workers including dispatchers and controllers at Menzies Aviation have rejected a 4.25 per cent pay offer, Unite said.

At Glasgow Airport Ltd, 120 ambassadors, engineers, and managers refused a 3.6 per cent uplift deal, which was also rejected by 50 firefighters employed by Falck, according to the union.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Hundreds of workers at Glasgow Airport are heading towards summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers.

“The companies involved are all highly profitable and can easily afford to give our members better pay and working conditions.

“The truth is that they are denying fair pay increases to cynically boost their profits.”

A spokesperson for Swissport said the firm remained “in dialogue with Unite,” while Menzies Aviation’s Phil Lloyd said it had met with the union to table “an enhanced offer, with a follow-up session scheduled.”

Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search and Falck have been contacted for comment.