Workers back industrial action after offer rejected
GMB Scotland members at Scottish Water have overwhelmingly backed industrial action at the publicly-owned utility.
Industrial action potentially disrupting crucial maintenance and emergency response services was backed by almost 80% of members in a ballot with almost 70% supporting strikes.
Claire Greer, GMB Scotland organiser, said the crushing majority in support of industrial action was not surprising after a 3.4% pay offer was overwhelmingly rejected by staff.
She said: “Our members are again being forced to fight for a fair pay rise from a company where the top executives are taking home record bonus payments.
“The overwhelming support for industrial action is no surprise to our members and, given the failure to negotiate a fair offer, should come as no surprise to the company.”
The ballot of GMB Scotland members closed on Monday with a 61% turnout and 67% of members backing strike action and 77% backing industrial action short of strikes.
GMB Scotland and sister unions will meet today to detail plans before giving Scottish Water two weeks’ notice of action if there is no agreement.
The dispute comes 18 months after a rolling programme of industrial action, including strikes and overtime bans, disrupted emergency repairs, testing and maintenance at Scottish Water.
Unions had accused the publicly-owned company of behaving “like a rogue employer” for linking a pay offer to a restructuring of grades and salaries.
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