Scottish Water faces disruption after workers vote for strike action

Hundreds of Scottish Water workers are set to take industrial action after unions voted to strike.

GMB Scotland and Unite balloted members after a pay rise of 3.4%, with a minimum increase of £1,400, was “overwhelmingly rejected” in January.

On Monday, GMB said 67% of its members backed strike action and 77% backed industrial action short of strikes.

Unite and GMB represent more than 500 workers at the publicly-owned company, including waste water, water treatment and burst repair operatives, maintenance engineers, electricians and sewage tanker drivers.

Industrial action could potentially disrupt maintenance and emergency response services.

Claire Greer, GMB Scotland organiser, accused Scottish Water bosses of “taking home record bonus payments” while neglecting fair pay rises.

“Our members are again being forced to fight for a fair pay rise from a company where the top executives are taking home record bonus payments,” she said.

“The overwhelming support for industrial action is no surprise to our members and, given the failure to negotiate a fair offer, should come as no surprise to the company.”

Unite said industrial action could involve strikes, working to rule or working only to contracted hours.

Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s 500-strong membership at Scottish Water is angry at the double standards gripping the executives of the public body.

“The strong backing for industrial action should come as no surprise with executive pay hitting eye-watering levels while a poor pay offer remains on the table. Unite will fully support our members in their next steps to secure better jobs, pay and conditions at Scottish Water.”

The unions will meet on Tuesday to discuss plans before giving Scottish Water two weeks’ notice of action if there is no agreement.

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “No one benefits from industrial action. We would encourage the trade unions to rejoin negotiations so we can settle this matter amicably.

“Scottish Water remains committed to reaching an agreement with our unions that avoids industrial action.

“As a responsible employer, we want to make sure our people are paid fairly. That’s why we’ve offered a 3.4% rise, significantly above inflation, with a guaranteed £1,400 minimum increase. This means those in lower salary grades receive the highest percentage increase in Scottish Water.

“With previous improvements to pay and conditions, this offer means Scottish Water will be spending 17% more on employee salaries than two years ago. This is in addition to reducing our company work week to 35 hours.”