Scottish Water staff to hold two-day strike

Scottish Water staff to hold two-day strike

A new round of industrial action is set to hit Scottish Water as workers are preparing for a two-day strike starting at midnight. This comes in the midst of an ongoing pay dispute with the publicly-owned company, which has seen tensions rise following a previous one-day strike last month. The three unions involved in the strike are Unite, the GMB, and Unison, who have rejected a 2.6% pay offer from Scottish Water despite the company’s claims that the current offer is more favorable.

Unison has been vocal about the reasons behind the strike, citing a decade of real-term pay cuts that have left staff feeling undervalued and underpaid. The union’s rejection of the £1,050 pay offer reflects a broader sentiment among workers who are demanding better compensation for their essential work. Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, emphasized the importance of fair pay and vowed to support workers in their fight for better jobs and wages.

Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, Peter Farrer, expressed disappointment over the upcoming strike and stressed the company’s commitment to providing above-inflation pay increases for its employees. Despite efforts to resolve the dispute through conciliation services, union officials have not shared the improved offer with their members, leading to further escalation of the situation. Farrer urged the unions to return to negotiations and collaborate on finding a mutually acceptable resolution to avoid further disruptions to services.

The strikes are expected to impact emergency repairs, water quality checks, and other essential services provided by Scottish Water, with implications for supply and sewage management during the strike period. Unison highlighted that the strike action was a last resort, emphasizing the need for fair compensation after years of inadequate pay deals. As the standoff continues between the unions and Scottish Water, both sides remain committed to finding a resolution that satisfies the workers’ demands for better pay and working conditions

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