Workplace Report (January 2009)

Bargaining news

Scottish Water splashes out on new pay deal

GMB, Unite and UNISON general unions are balloting members over an improved pay deal from Scottish Water. The new deal offers a minimum of 7.75% over 27 months and improves the 2008 pay offer of 3% to a minimum of 4% for all staff, including performance pay. The unions suspended planned industrial action over Christmas when a new pay deal for 2008-09 was clinched in “last gasp” talks on Christmas Eve.

The dispute arose when in September 2008 Scottish Water breached six years of partnership working with its staff to impose a 15-month pay rise of 3% (equivalent to 2.4% for the year).

Any worker’s pay that does not reach a 4% increase including the performance element during the current year will be topped up in July 2009. Staff will receive 3.75% as a minimum for 2009-10.

“We have been able to make significant progress on pay, which allows all three unions to suspend the planned industrial action,” said a joint statement. The unions are recommending that their members accept the deal.


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