Scottish Water workers to vote on industrial action

Scottish Water workers to vote on strike action after managers’ pay ploy

Workers at Scottish Water will vote on strike action after managers were accused of trying to force through changes to pay and conditions without agreement.

GMB Scotland will ballot members on industrial action after accusing the water company of bad faith after contacting staff directly to detail a pay offer linked to a new grading structure.

A meeting with sister trade unions at Scottish Water today, Friday 11 August, agreed to enter formal dispute with Scottish Water after managers sent an email to all staff detailing a proposed new pay structure without proper consultation or agreement.

Claire Greer, GMB Scotland organiser, said the company’s intention to contact staff directly was deeply concerning and had caused needless uncertainty and mistrust.

She said: “There are well-established procedures for negotiating pay and conditions fairly and with respect and it is gravely disappointing that Scottish Water has chosen to ignore them.

“There has been no meaningful consultation around how these proposed changes would be implemented fairly.

“For management to unilaterally rip up the agreed procedures for reaching agreement and consensus is completely unacceptable and should alarm the people of Scotland.

“These are not the actions of a responsible company delivering a vital public service but a rogue employer.

“Management should now pause before making a bad decision even worse.”

GMB Scotland and sister unions will launch a two-week consultative ballot on industrial action on Thursday, 17 August.

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Contact: gmbscotcampaigns@gmb.org.uk