Taxi drivers refuse to work over airport charge

Taxi drivers have been protesting in Aberdeen

Dozens of taxi drivers based at Aberdeen International Airport are refusing to work in protest over a new £7 charge for customers, after talks over the changes broke down.

The drivers, who are self-employed, previously paid about £200 a week to gain access to the airport rank, with a £5 surcharge for all customers.

However the drivers said this had all now been swapped to a £7 charge which is added to the meter and can be passed on to passengers.

Aberdeen International Airport said it had plans in place to minimise the impact on customers, and has asked for patience if queues are longer than normal.

The dispute involves about 60 taxi drivers, and many held a protest near the airport on Monday.

Driver Gus McDonald told BBC Scotland News: “We think it’s extortionate. We feel like the airport are looking at the taxi drivers as debt collectors.

“These poor people have had their holidays, they’re coming back through, they’re finished with the airport, they’re getting into my car, and I’m saying 'oh by the way, the airport would like another £7 please'.

“It’s just not on.”

Aberdeen International Airport said it appreciated the patience of customers

Talks had been taking place with the airport over the situation but have broken down.

The drivers are also unhappy about changes to their working patterns.

“We want to see the surcharge scrapped completely,” Mr McDonald added.

“We’re quite happy to pay the airport for the privilege of picking up – it’s fine, it’s our choice.

“But we don’t make a stand now, we don’t know where it’s going to go from here. It’s going to go up and up and up.”

'Longer than normal'

The Unite union represents around 45 of the taxi drivers, who have said they will refuse to work for “as long as it takes”.

Regional officer Vic Fraser said: “The taxi drivers are really frustrated that the airport is not listening to their concerns, and this will have a knock-on effect on the customers.

“These taxi drivers are available and willing to work, but the airport is stopping them from working.

“So I would ask the public to voice their concerns about why taxis are not available.”

Aberdeen International Airport said in a statement: “We have plans in place to minimise the impact on customer service.

“We appreciate our customers’ patience in any circumstance where a longer than the normal wait time is experienced.”