A9 set for disruption as maintenance workers back strike action over pay

The A9 trunk road from Perth to Inverness could face major travel disruption after road maintenance workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action in a dispute over pay.

Unite the union confirmed that dozens of Bear Scotland employees, who are responsible for the upkeep and safety of major roads across central Scotland and the Highlands, have rejected the company’s latest pay offer.

The offer would see the lowest hourly rate rise from £12 to £12.75, while other key grades would increase by just £1 per hour, including the highest band from £13.25 to £14.25.

Unite says comparable roles at other firms pay up to £16 an hour, and that Bear Scotland reported profits of £3.7m in its latest accounts.

The union also pointed to the company being a key contractor on the £3.7bn A9 Dualling Programme, a long-term upgrade scheduled for completion by 2035.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members in Inverness work in all weather conditions but are being paid at an unacceptably low level.

“Bear Scotland is a profitable company, and it can easily afford to pay our members a decent rate. We will back our members all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Unite industrial officer Marc Jackson warned that industrial action could coincide with worsening weather conditions.

“These workers are essential to one of the nation’s key transport infrastructure upgrades, yet they are being treated poorly and paid below industry standards,” he said.

“This cash-rich company needs to return to the table with an improved pay offer. If not, disruption during the bad weather will be inevitable and entirely Bear Scotland’s fault.”

The timing of any potential strike action has yet to be confirmed.