Waterways workers agree 3.5% deal

Members of public service union UNISON and the Unite general union voted overwhelmingly to accept the 2008-09 pay deal at British Waterways which will give them a 3.5% pay increase from 1 July and an extra day’s holiday. The unions say the deal is worth 4% overall.

In addition London allowances will go up by 3.5% from 1 July; the first aiders’ allowance will see a 10% increase to £220 a year; the standby allowance will rise to £120 per week and £60 per weekend, a 4.3% increase; and the callout allowance will rise by 3.8% to £54.

From 2009 there will be an extra day’s holiday, normally to be taken on 2 January unless operational requirements dictate otherwise. Under these circumstances a different day will be agreed between local management and reps. In Scotland, where 2 January is already a public holiday, local discussions will take place to establish an appropriate day.

British Waterways says that during 2008-09 it will also get together with unions to consider employment practices that will give more support to working parents.