The war of words in water fight

Hundreds of Scottish Water employees are preparing to take industrial action from 1600 GMT on Christmas Eve until 5 January.

Normally, the staff would provide emergency standby cover. The company said it has contingency plans.

All sides in the row have expressed disappointment the issue has not been resolved.

Here the parties involved give their reactions to the latest twist in the pay row.

GMB organiser Richard Leonard, who represents GMB members in Scottish Water, said: "This decision has not been taken lightly.

"All three unions involved have worked closely together. We have met twice with senior Scottish Water directors in the last few days in a bid to avert this action.

"But these directors appear to have taken a decision that they would rather see this important public service put at risk than negotiate a settlement.

Union members are calling for an improved pay award

"The unions representing more than 2,000 workers in Scottish Water put forward a number of firm proposals, within the Scottish Government's public sector pay policy, which would have solved the dispute, but there was a singular lack of will on the part of the management team we are dealing with.

"Our members provide a vital service in safeguarding public health, managing a precious natural resource and protecting the environment. They deserve reward and respect for their efforts.

"While directors in Scottish Water have pocketed pay rises of between 30% and 40% over the last two years the workers are being offered little over 2%.

"As a public utility this is all being done in our name. That's why we are looking for public support and if necessary political intervention to find a just outcome."

Dave Wilkinson, Unison water branch chairman, said: "This is very disappointing. The trade unions had positive discussions with Scottish Water and (John Swinney) the cabinet secretary for finance and sustainable growth last week where we discussed how this dispute could be resolved.

"Regrettably Scottish Water has failed to come up with an acceptable offer. Scottish Water can improve the offer and I would urge them to reconsider their position and resolve this dispute."

Dougie Black, Unison Scotland regional organiser, added: "I am astonished at the intransigence being shown by Scottish Water.

"This is potentially a very damaging dispute that in our view can be resolved however the employer seems unwilling to do so.

"It is time their chief executive, Richard Ackroyd, took a more hands on approach in brokering a resolution to this. It is simply not good enough to abdicate this responsibility to his management team.

"There is still time to resolve this dispute before the industrial action starts on 24 December - however Scottish Water must be prepared to make significant improvements to what is already on the table."

Chris Wallace, director of communication at Scottish Water, said: "Further talks with the unions have failed to reach a resolution and their intention is to proceed with withdrawing standby and overtime during Christmas and the New Year.

"Scottish Water hoped a solution could be found to avoid this disappointing action. Many of our workers will come in during the festive season to ensure service to our customers is maintained and any potential disruption is minimised.

"We met with the trade unions on Monday and with the agreement of our owners, the Scottish Government, offered an enhanced pay offer for 2009-10.

"The extension of a further 12-month settlement (July 2009 to June 2010) was seen by the Scottish Government and by Scottish Water as a way forward in this dispute and the enhanced offer of 3.75% was put to the unions.

"This was an increase to the 3.5% award already proposed at the previous meeting with the unions, which at the time was the maximum we had been advised was permitted.

"The new offer is the best available to us while still meeting the broader requirements of public sector pay policy.

"This award for 2009-10 is in addition to the award for 2008-09. Scottish Water has been working since late 2007 to find the best deal for our staff within current public sector pay guidelines.

"The award already implemented in September was a 3% base pay increase over 15 months from April 2008 to June 2009.

"Staff also received, on average, an extra 1% base salary increase on top of this award from July 2008, as part of a Scottish Water employee performance management system.

"This new pay deal, to include a further 12 months from July 2009 to June 2010, would have taken the average pay award for 27 months from April 2008 to June 2010 to 7.75%.

"Due to the different dates of the payments and the compound effect of one award on top of another, the total increase in base salary would average almost 8%."

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