Staff at Scottish Water are taking strike action for a third time in weeks, as UNISON announces a further two days of action starting tomorrow (Friday).
The move signals growing discontent among workers, whose patience has run dry after years of below-inflation pay deals and a lack of meaningful negotiation, says the union.
The third wave of strike action will take place on Friday (1 May) and Tuesday (6 May).
Scottish Water has offered workers a pay rise of 2.86% or £1,050 (whichever is greater), an offer that falls far short after more than a decade of below-inflation pay settlements, the union says.
UNISON regional organiser Emma Phillips said: “Scottish Water workers are turning up the pressure, with a third wave of strike action. They’ve been left with no choice but to take action again.
“Employees are sick of being taken for granted and underpaid, while their work is outsourced to private contractors, driving prices up for the public.
“Clean water flows to every home in Scotland thanks to the hard work of Scottish Water employees. These workers deserve to be paid fairly for the vital services they provide.”
UNISON Scottish Water branch secretary Tricia McArthur said: “Strike action is always a last resort and nobody wants to disrupt services.
“But Scottish Water workers have been left with no choice after being drip-fed below-inflation pay offers for years.
“Staff work in all weather conditions at any time of the year to keep services flowing. They’re proud of their roles, but each year they find they’re worth less and less.
“It’s time for Scottish Water bosses to come to the negotiating table with a clear, honest and improved pay offer.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON represents more than 1,000 workers at Scottish Water, where it is the largest union.
– UNISON’s strike ballot took place in February. There was a 69% turnout with 65% of votes in favour of strike action, with 73% backing action short of a strike.
– During the strike periods there will be no emergency repairs, water quality checks or responses to public report problems with their water supply, sewage or drainage.
– UNISON is Scotland’s largest union, with more than 150,000 members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.