Staff have been “routinely denied breaks” at Glasgow Airport which could risk security, according to a union.

Unite is preparing to ballot for strike ahead of the summer holiday rush at the busy travel hub.

They claim this is because of understaffing and security staff being denied contractual breaks.

Scotland’s leading aviation trade union confirmed today that it has been directly informed by workers at ICTS Central Search that they are often refused respite, which they are legally entitled to.

Glasgow Airport responded to the claims stating that customer and staff safety is always their “number one priority”.

Meanwhile the union is reporting growing incidents of fatigue, exhaustion, and stress due to staff working beyond six hours with no break.

This constitutes a contractual breach, and a breach of the Working Time Regulations.

ICTS Central Search employs around 250 workers who deal with passengers directly in the security search area, and process them for flights.

The workers cover mobile patrols, control access posts, screen all deliveries and deal with emergency services at Glasgow Airport.

They responded to the claims insisting “there has been no compromise to passenger safety.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has been made aware of an alarming situation at Glasgow airport which not only impacts on the wellbeing of workers but the security of all passengers.”

“It is appalling that ICTS workers are being routinely denied their contractual breaks by management, and under no circumstances will this be tolerated.”

“Unite will back our ICTS Search members all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Unite understands the principal reason for the situation at ICTS Search is due to understaffing and shift patterns, which the union believes are not fit for purpose.

Unless remedial measures are adopted imminently, Unite will have ‘no option’ but to initiate an industrial action ballot that will coincide with the summer holiday rush.

Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said: “The ICTS Search workers undertake safety and security critical tasks but how can they do this effectively when they are mentally and physically exhausted. If this situation is not resolved, then Unite will have no option but to ballot our members for industrial action.”

The union further confirmed it is in the process of contacting the Health and Safety Executive, and the Central Aviation Authority, due to the major concerns it has for the security and integrity of the search areas for the traveling public.

An ICTS company spokesperson said: “There has been no compromise to passenger safety.

“We are in constant dialogue with the union and we would like to reassure the travelling public that their security, and the welfare of our colleagues, is our priority and there will be no disruptions”

A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport said: “While this is a matter for ICTS as the direct employer involved, we would make it absolutely clear that the security and wellbeing of everyone who either works at or travels through Glasgow Airport is always our number one priority.

“As we look forward to what will be a busy summer, we will continue to work closely with our ICTS colleagues to ensure they have the appropriate resource levels in place.”