UPDATE: Prospect ballots air traffic controllers in Highlands and Islands Airports on pay

Prospect has confirmed arrangements for balloting air traffic controllers at Highlands and Islands Airports Limited on industrial action

The ballot will open on 11 February and close on 1 March.

If members back industrial action, the union’s intention would be for a series of one-day strikes starting from 1 April and running throughout the summer.

Prospect will also be asking members to vote on whether they wish to take action short of a strike. This could include:

• instruction to work to rosters
• overtime ban
• refusal of extensions to airport opening hours for non-medical flights
• withdrawal of goodwill.

David Avery, Prospect negotiations officer, said: “Members do not wish to take this action but have been forced into this position by ministers’ refusal to engage on air traffic controllers’ pay.“