Scottish Water has responded to points made by the STUC (Scottish Trades Union Congress) at yesterday’s picket line which included a call for the Scottish Government to intervene, as well as allegations about ‘union-busting’.
Members of trade unions UNISON, Unite and GMB – who are in the middle of a week-long strike over pay – took their demands direct to the company with a rally outside the water company’s Shieldhall offices in Glasgow on 4 June, and were joined by members of the STUC.
A Scottish Water spokesperson said:
“This is a matter for Scottish Water and its trade unions, who we value our relationship with.
“Scottish Water has acted in good faith and with integrity throughout these negotiations.
“We have a long history of being a good employer – with wages rising by about 11% above inflation in the past decade – at a time when many people in other sectors saw their wages stagnate or go backwards.
“We’ve made another strong offer this time that is comfortably above inflation and prioritises those on the lowest wages.”
Scottish Water says it has proposed an average 7% pay increase over two years, building on more than a decade of above inflation pay increases.
This latest round of pay negotiations started in June 2024. Since then, Scottish Water has made seven offers.
On Wednesday, Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer said:
“We’re pleased the trade unions met with us yesterday (3 June), with talks lasting late into the evening.
“We tabled a number of suggestions during the discussions and have invited trade union colleagues to reconvene.
“It is in everyone’s interests that a sensible solution is found that is fair to our people and our customers.
“In the meantime, robust plans are in place to protect Scottish Water’s essential services.”
