Scottish Water faces industrial action in nationwide pay dispute

Unite has confirmed that its 500-strong Scottish Water membership will take industrial action at the public body in a dispute over pay. 

In the opening phase of action at Scottish Water, Unite has revealed that its members will hold a standby ban and a ban on contractual overtime over two consecutive weekends.

The bans will begin at 4:00pm on 7th March up to 08.00am on 10th March, and at the same time on 14th March until 17th March.

Scottish Water relies heavily on workers doing overtime or the organisation would need to pay substantial payments to contractors to undertake outstanding remedial works according to Unite.

Due to the key frontline roles undertaken by Unite’s membership in sewers, water treatment centres and on pipework, the industrial action will directly impact Scottish Water’s ability to respond to water leakages, flooding, pollution and quality concerns over these weekends.

Unite’s members have rejected an initial basic pay offer over nine months amounting to 3.4%, or no less than £1,200 depending on salary grade which would run from July 2024 to April 2025.

The union is highlighting that Scottish Water’s counterparts in Northern Ireland in contrast received a £1,500 non-consolidated payment and a 5% wage rise in December.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite said: “Unite’s membership at Scottish Water is determined to hold those in charge of the public body to account.