Date: Fri 26 September 2008

Industrial action campaign starts in Scottish Water

Scottish Water's decision to unilaterally impose a pay award on their staff has sparked a UNISON campaign for industrial action by their members. UNISON has reacted angrily to the failure to agree the changes. The union is starting a campaign that may lead to industrial action, and has also written to the Chief Executive terminating the 6 year old partnership agreement - in place since Scottish Water was created.

Dave Wilkinson, Chair of UNISON's Scottish Water Branch said, "Scottish Water is acting recklessly. This unilateral action is ill thought out and unnecessary, and it means UNISON and the other trade unions have no option but to terminate the agreement that the employer has ignored, and to campaign for action to press them to improve the offer."

Branch Secretary, Steve Scott said, 'The imposition amounts to a 2.4% rise over a single year. It is simply not acceptable when inflation is rising at 5%, energy prices are rising by anything up to 30% and food by 11%. The Joint trade unions met on Thursday to co-ordinate the industrial action campaign.

ENDS

For Further Information Please Contact: Dougie Black (Regional Organiser) - 07592 428 510 (m) Dave Wilkinson (Branch Chair) - 07875 872 819 Steve Scott (Branch Secretary) - 07875 879 388

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