Any problems would be picked up by inspections, both by ourselves and by government inspectors

BAA spokesman

Robert Parker, the GMB's Scottish regional secretary, said baggage staff were being asked to work unacceptably long hours for low wages.

"Staff turnover is high, wages are too low, and people are being asked to work more than 70 hours a week in a job which requires a lot of concentration," he said.

"We have just learned that baggage security at Edinburgh airport is being switched to another company because the airlines won't tolerate any increases in the contract price.

"Despite the fact that increased security has been used as a reason for ticket prices to be increased since 11 September, none of the money appears to be finding its way back to baggage screening which is absolutely vital to passenger safety.

"The airlines are just being mean."

'No evidence'

However, the claims were rejected by the BAA.

"We work to standards set down by the UK government. Our job is to ensure those standards are upheld," said a spokesman.

"We are satisfied that those standards are being met. I've no evidence that staff are working more than 70 hours a week.

"Any problems would be picked up by inspections, both by ourselves and by government inspectors.

"Anything wrong would be drawn to our attention. We also have a staff training programme."

Mr Parker said the union would ask Transport Minister Iain Gray to investigate the matter.