Scottish Water workers vote on industrial action
Steven | 31.10.2008 02:39 | Social Struggles | Workers' Movements
Scottish Water workers are being balloted on industrial action after the employer imposed a below inflation pay rise which had not been agreed.
The imposition of a 3% rise over 15 months – worth 2.4% over a year – ended six years of partnership working between the company and staff.
"This pay cut is simply not acceptable when inflation is rising – recently reaching 5.2% - energy prices are rising by anything up to 30% and food by 11%," said branch secretary Steve Scott.
Members are being issued with ballot papers today asking them to vote for both strike action, and action short of a strike. Other unions are also balloting their Scottish Water members in a co-ordinated industrial action campaign.
Scottish Water claims it is only following the Scottish government’s target to limit public sector increases to 2%.
But, says Scottish organiser Dougie Black, the company "knows it has the money to pay a reasonable increase.
"It has an opportunity, while the ballot takes place, to convince the government to untie its hands," he added.
The ballot closes on 10 November.
"This pay cut is simply not acceptable when inflation is rising – recently reaching 5.2% - energy prices are rising by anything up to 30% and food by 11%," said branch secretary Steve Scott.
Members are being issued with ballot papers today asking them to vote for both strike action, and action short of a strike. Other unions are also balloting their Scottish Water members in a co-ordinated industrial action campaign.
Scottish Water claims it is only following the Scottish government’s target to limit public sector increases to 2%.
But, says Scottish organiser Dougie Black, the company "knows it has the money to pay a reasonable increase.
"It has an opportunity, while the ballot takes place, to convince the government to untie its hands," he added.
The ballot closes on 10 November.
Steven
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