Edinburgh Airport tanker drivers call off Christmas and New Year strike

North Air said a pay deal had been reached with Unite the union.

Laura Paterson
Monday 16 December 2024 12:38 EST
The tanker driver strike at Edinburgh Airport has been called off (David Cheskin/PA)
The tanker driver strike at Edinburgh Airport has been called off (David Cheskin/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A planned strike over Christmas and New Year by fuel tanker drivers at Edinburgh Airport has been called off, their employer has said.

Unite the union announced last week that tanker drivers from plane refuelling-firm North Air would start a 19-day strike on December 18.

On Monday, North Air said the strike has been called off following a pay deal.

We are pleased to confirm that we have reached an agreement with Unite on pay and that the planned strike at Edinburgh Airport has been called off

North Air spokesperson

A North Air spokesperson said: “We are pleased to confirm that we have reached an agreement with Unite on pay and that the planned strike at Edinburgh Airport has been called off.”

Unite had previously said members had “overwhelmingly backed strike action” over the festive period as North Air had failed to provide an improved pay deal, after an offer of a 4.5% rise was rejected.

The union warned of possible disruption to flights as the company is the sole fuel supply firm servicing domestic and long-haul routes from the airport.

North Air said it employs 57 people at the airport and of these, 46 are operational workers who deal with refuelling and vehicle movements.

An Edinburgh Airport spokesman said: “We’re pleased that Unite and North Air have reached an agreement.”

Unite was contacted for comment.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in