Pay imposition leads to strike ballot in Scottish Water

by Chris Bartter

A decision by Scottish Water management, backed by the Scottish Government to unilaterally impose a pay rise of 3% over 15 months (about 2.4% per year), has led to a strike ballot of UNISON members.

Scottish Water breached the partnership agreement - in place since the body was created - to impose the pay cut claiming that the Scottish Government's pay policy meant they were unable to offer more. The branch has now written to the company formally withdrawing from the agreement. But members want more!

Steve Scott, Scottish Water Branch Secretary, said, "After consulting members, it became very clear they were angered by Scottish Water's rejection of a fair pay deal, and so we started a formal ballot for industrial action." Ballot papers start to go out on 21 October. The ballot closes on 10 November.

"Taking Industrial Action is never an easy decision. We would all prefer that Scottish Water make a reasonable pay offer and we continue working to serve our communities across Scotland.

"The branch leadership team has done everything in our power to negotiate with Scottish Water to avoid a dispute, including meeting with Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change.

"These negotiations have failed to convince either Scottish Water or the Government to improve the pay offer which has been unilaterally imposed", added Steve. "It is now in members' hands to decide. If members are to succeed in the campaign, it will take every effort from all of us to ensure that Scottish Water and the Government are aware of the demand for a fair pay settlement. Members will be asked to fully participate in a campaign of activities."

Campaign updates will be posted on the UNISON Scotland website.

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