Three unions may strike after rejecting a 3.4% pay offer. The decision follows news of executive bonuses.
The unions balloted members after talks failed when Scottish Water offered a 3.4% pay rise, which the unions rejected. Scottish Water is owned by the public, and last month, water bills rose in Scotland by 9.9% in April.
Most union voters favored a strike, with Unison having 65% support and GMB having 67% support. Unite reported 71% support for striking, with even more backing action short of a strike at 73%, 67%, and 80% respectively.
Unison represents over 1,000 workers, and the Unison turnout was 69%. GMB had 61% of members voting, while Unite, with 500 members, reported a “high turnout.” Union leaders spoke about the situation.
Emma Phillips, a Unison Scotland leader, said services are at risk because staff feel they must strike as pay has not kept up with prices. She noted that most workers earn below £31,000 yearly while managers get paid hundreds of thousands and wants a fair pay deal.
Claire Greer, from GMB Scotland, also commented that executives get high bonuses while workers must fight for fair pay. Sharon Graham, who leads Unite, said workers are really angry because executive pay is too high and the pay offer is poor.
The unions will meet Tuesday to talk and plan their next move together, giving Scottish Water two weeks’ notice if there is no deal. A Scottish Water person gave a statement saying no one wins from strikes, and they want the unions to talk to avoid them.
Scottish Water wants a deal with unions to pay workers fairly, offering 3.4% more pay with a minimum increase of £1,400, ensuring lower-paid workers get the biggest rise. They plan protections for the water supply and will try hard to avoid disruptions, ensuring waste water treatment should continue.