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.