Three months of weekly strikes to begin at Scottish Water
Industrial action could affect flood responses and emergency repairs
Union members are warning there could be delays to flood responses and emergency repairs as staff at Scottish Water prepare for almost 50 days of strike action.
More than 500 members of Unison, Unite the Union and GMB Scotland are set to take action as part of an ongoing pay dispute which could see workers salaries regraded.
The first four days of action are planned between November 10 and 13, with further dates planned weekly until January 26.
Unite regional co-ordinating officer, Stephen Deans, said: “Scottish Water has paid lip service to our major concerns over pay which is being tied to a proposed new grading structure.
"The talks which have taken place with Scottish Water management following our membership emphatically backing strike have been in effect useless.
"Unite has therefore been left with no option but to serve notice of 48 days' strike action over three months.”
"Left with no option"
The unions said the strike action is likely to cause disruption and significantly impair Scottish Water's ability to respond to leakages, flooding, pollution, and drinking water quality concerns.
In practical terms, this means burst pipe repairs on roads and highways will not be repaired by Unite members on the scheduled days of action.
Unite members will also not be available to undertake work relating to any sewer flooding issues and the associated environmental impact of failing sewage works.
Mr Deans continued: “Unite's membership includes key frontline workers who attend to and repair waterworks, flooding and sewers.
“If the action goes ahead due to the intransigence of Scottish Water management, then this will have major public safety and health implications."
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said Scottish Water had created the situation "through their own arrogance and insatiable greed", as she vowed the union will "fully support" members.
GMB Scotland organiser Claire Greer has urged the First Minister to intervene to avert strike action, saying there has been no genuine attempt by Scottish Water to resolve the dispute, while Unison has written to Government minister Mairi McAllan.
Chief operating officer Peter Farrer said he was “dismayed” this was the decision the unions were taking.
"Dismayed"
He added: “Scottish Water remains committed to reaching an agreement with our unions that avoids industrial action.
"This has been the case throughout the negotiations over the proposal to modernise a 21-year-old pay and grading structure and provide employees with an in-year award of at least 8% for all."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "These pay negotiations are a matter for Scottish Water, as the employer, and the unions - we encourage all parties to continue negotiations to resolve this dispute."