Scottish Water staff have launched a two-day strike from midnight, escalating an ongoing pay dispute that began with a one-day walkout last month.
The strike, taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday, involves more than 1,000 workers represented by Unison. The union warned that during this period, emergency repairs and water quality checks will be suspended, with any issues relating to water supply or sewage management delayed until the action ends.
Scottish Water, which remains publicly owned, has insisted that contingency plans are in place to minimise disruption and maintain essential services.
The dispute centres on pay, with Unison rejecting what it describes as a 2.6% offer, equating to a minimum of £1,050 per employee. The union argues the deal fails to address more than a decade of real-terms pay erosion. However, Scottish Water has disputed the union’s figure and claims its actual offer is both fair and above inflation.
Emma Phillips, regional organiser for Unison Scotland, said: “Strike action is always a last resort. Staff have endured years of below-inflation pay awards and are no longer willing to accept being underpaid. We’ve made every effort to engage with Scottish Water’s leadership, but their refusal to make a fair offer has left us no choice.”
Scottish Water’s chief operating officer Peter Farrer responded by urging a return to negotiations. “No one benefits from industrial action,” he said. “Our above-inflation pay proposal prioritises those on the lowest salaries, offering increases of up to 5.5%. It’s disappointing that the union has not presented this improved offer to its members for a vote.”
Farrer added that the latest proposal includes a 3.4% increase for 2024/25, with a guaranteed minimum rise of £1,400 for lower-paid staff.
Talks between the two sides, facilitated by conciliation service Acas earlier this month, failed to produce a resolution, though Scottish Water maintains it remains open to further discussions.
