McArthur responds to HIAL strike action

Responding to confirmation of dates for strike action at HIAL airports on Monday 19 and Thursday 22 December, Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur said:

"There is no doubt that this action will cause serious disruption in the run up to Christmas. I understand that Loganair is offering to rebook affected passengers without any additional charges and looking to put in place contingency arrangements wherever possible.

"However, having increased airport charges to operators last month to cover the costs of a higher pay offer, HIAL and Scottish Ministers need to explain why passengers are having to pay more in fares but still deal with the disruption caused by strike action. This festive double whammy is the last thing islanders need in the run up to Christmas.

"HIAL and Scottish Ministers need to get talks back underway so there is no further disruption to our lifeline services."