Strike action at Scottish Water has been suspended after union leaders described recent negotiations as “productive,” offering hope for a resolution to the ongoing pay dispute.
Members of Unison, Unite, and the GMB had been set to walk out for 24 hours from midnight on Friday, after previously rejecting a pay offer of around 2.8%. However, both Unison and Unite confirmed the strike would not go ahead following a breakthrough in talks with Scottish Water management, facilitated by the conciliation service ACAS.
Sam Ritchie, Unite’s industrial officer, commented:
“Unite can confirm that following constructive pay talks we have agreed to suspend strike action on Friday, May 2. Industrial action is still scheduled for Tuesday but talks have taken on a more positive tone with Scottish Water management. We remain fully committed to getting a fair pay offer for our membership and to resolving this dispute. There has been significant movement by management which leads us to believe that a better offer may be imminent.”
Emma Phillips, Unison Scotland’s regional organiser, said:
“After productive talks with Scottish Water managers today, tomorrow’s strike is suspended. Talks will continue on Monday. But unless all sides can reach an agreement, Tuesday’s walkout will take place.”
Scottish Water described Thursday’s discussions with the joint unions as “constructive.” A spokesperson for the company stated:
“No one gains from industrial action, and our priority is to continue serving our millions of customers throughout Scotland. Our pay proposal exceeds inflation and is equitable and progressive, emphasising the highest percentage increases for those earning the lowest salaries-funds that should be available to employees immediately.”
The company reported that its latest pay offer represents an average total increase of about 7% for 2024–2026, with those in lower-graded positions potentially seeing increases of up to 11% over the two-year period.
While Friday’s strike has been suspended, unions have warned that further industrial action could proceed next week if a satisfactory agreement is not reached. Talks between the unions and Scottish Water management are set to resume on Monday.
