Scottish Water union members to vote on pay offer
Unions believe the strikes have caused the company difficulties. However, there have been no major disruptions to the water supply on strike days to test the company's emergency arrangements.The people who have taken part in the industrial action work in a wide range of practical and administrative jobs at the publicly-owned company.The water industry in Scotland was never privatised and is directly accountable to the Scottish government.
Unison is urging its members to reject the offer, while Unite and the GMB have not made a recommendation.If the offer is turned down, strikes could resume. The results should be known later this month.The STUC has called on the Scottish government to intervene in the dispute after months of a stalemate.Unions had also claimed the company had been attempting to undermine the unions in the strike – a charge Scottish Water has denied.
'Above inflation increases'
Scottish Water said it urged all members to vote on its "very strong and progressive" pay offer.It said the combined offer for all employees provided a minimum increase of £2,850 - made up of a £1,400 underpin for 2024/25 and a £1,450 underpin for 2025/26.A spokesperson said: "Those on lower salaries would see higher percentage increases. "This builds on a decade of above inflation increases at Scottish Water that reflects our commitment to the principles of fair work while ensuring increases are affordable for customers too."It is in everyone's interests that the current dispute is resolved so that our people can get the pay increases they deserve and continue delivering an essential service to the people of Scotland."
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