Scottish Water workers are set to walk out in a fresh wave of industrial action after pay talks collapsed, reversing an earlier decision to suspend the strike. The action will see hundreds of staff across Scotland down tools from 2 June until the end of 8 June, following months of dispute and a series of suspended strikes.
The strike, involving around 500 Unite members as well as staff represented by Unison and GMB, will affect Scottish Water offices and wastewater treatment sites across Scotland, including major facilities such as the Shieldhall Sewage Works in Govan, Glasgow. The walkout is scheduled to begin on Monday, 2 June, and continue through to Sunday, 8 June.
Earlier this month, unions representing Scottish Water staff had called off planned strikes after what they described as “productive talks” with management and the conciliation service Acas. However, negotiations failed to deliver a deal acceptable to workers, prompting the unions to resume industrial action
Emma Phillips, regional organiser for Unison Scotland, explained the union’s stance:
“Strike action is always a last resort. Staff have endured ten years of pay agreements that have not kept pace with inflation. They are unwilling to accept being underpaid any longer. The union has made every effort to persuade senior management at Scottish Water to present a fair proposal, but they have refused to engage reasonably.”
The dispute centres on a pay offer that unions say does not address years of below-inflation increases. Workers have rejected a 3.4% offer, with some in lower pay grades being offered a minimum rise of £1,400-an amount union leaders argue is insufficient given the cost of living crisis.
Claire Greer, GMB Scotland regional officer, said:
“I think the thing that’s most important is that this pay offer [from Scottish Water] is from last year – it’s not this year – so we’re still in dispute about something that’s over 12 months old. The offer that they have on the table is £1,400 over the 12 month period – it’s just not enough money. Our members have been very clear that they need more, that they need to go back to the table and negotiate for more. And Scottish Water at this point have failed to do so.”
Scottish Water maintains that its pay proposal is “fair and progressive,” with chief operating officer Peter Farrer stating:
“No one benefits from industrial action, and our priority remains to serve our millions of customers throughout Scotland. Our pay proposal, which exceeds inflation rates, is fair and progressive, putting the highest percentage increases towards those in the lowest salary brackets-funds that should be in employees’ hands immediately.”
The company says contingency plans are in place to maintain essential services during the strike.
The unions have warned that emergency maintenance and water quality inspections will not be carried out during the strike, and any issues with supply or sewage will be delayed until the action concludes. The walkout is expected to cause significant disruption to water and wastewater services across Scotland.
