500 workers will strike due to a pay dispute, impacting repairs and potentially water quality across Scotland.
The first ban starts March 7 at 4 PM and ends March 10 at 8 AM. The second ban runs March 14-17, starting and ending at the same times. Unite says Scottish Water needs worker overtime.
The union claims overtime covers vital repairs. Without it, contractors get hefty payments. The strike could affect leak responses and impact flooding and water quality.
Sewers, plants, and pipes are key for workers. They rejected a pay offer of 3.4% or £1200 over nine months, depending on the worker’s salary. The pay period was July 2024 to April 2025.
Northern Ireland’s water workers got better pay, receiving £1500 and a 5% rise. Unite wants to hold Scottish Water to account because they feel worker dedication isn’t rewarded. Executive pay is very high, Unite said.
Unite will fully support their members and wants better pay and working conditions. They are highlighting high executive pay, noting that Scottish Water executives got £329,000 in bonuses during 2023 and 2024.
Alex Plant, Peter Farrer, and Alan Scott made £842,000. Douglas Millican got £55,000 before leaving. Alex Plant’s package totaled £483,000, and his salary was reported as £246,000. Executives got combined packages of £1.15 million.
Last year’s total package amount was only £854,000. Unite says management displays arrogance because the public funds these executive paychecks. A strike will hurt Scottish Water’s services.
The union says Alex Plant must improve the offer; otherwise, the strike is inevitable. Water bills in Scotland rise 9.9% from April 1, adding about £3.68 monthly to bills, totaling around £44 annually. Scottish Water was asked for a statement.