HUNDREDS of workers at Prestwick Airport will see a pay rise twice the rate of inflation in a deal negotiated by their union Unite.

About 200 workers at the Ayrshire airport — including security, firefighters, airfield operators, ground crew, customer services, and cleaners —  will see a 6.8 per cent pay boost, improved shift allowances, and an extra day’s annual leave as part of a deal which will guarantee at least the Real Living Wage of £12.60 an hour for all permanent staff.

Welcoming the deal at the airport recently put on the market by the Scottish government, Unite industrial officer Siobhan McCready said: “We are pleased to have successfully negotiated a deal at Prestwick Airport which delivers benefits for the airport’s workers. 

“Basic pay, holidays and shift payments have all been improved. It’s an example of Unite and the airport working together to provide stability at a time when Prestwick is currently up for sale.”
 
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham added: “It’s a deal which will see significant increases in pay and allowances. It’s another success for Unite in the aviation industry in Scotland.”