Date: Tuesday 23 December 2008

SCOTTISH WATER – INDUSTRIAL ACTION LIKELY

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Talks between trade unions and Scottish Water broke down yesterday with no resolution to the current dispute in sight. This means that the industrial action notified to Scottish Water last week looks likely to go ahead so that trade union members of UNISON, GMB and Unite will not provide standby cover, on call cover or work overtime during the period 24 December to 5 January.

Dave Wilkinson, Branch Chair, UNISON Water Branch said “This is very disappointing; the trade unions had positive discussions with Scottish Water and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth last week where we discussed how this dispute could be resolved. Regrettably Scottish Water have 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, Regional Organiser, UNISON Scotland said “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 that 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 24th December however Scottish Water must be prepared to make significant improvements to what’s already on the table”.

ENDS

For Further Information Please Contact: Dougie Black (Regional Organiser) 0845 355 0845 (w) 07958 121 851 (m) Dave Watson (Regional Manager) 0845 355 0845 (w) 07958122409 (m) Dave Wilkinson (Branch Secretary) 07875 872 819 (m) Steve Scott (Branch Chair) 07875 879 388 (m) Glyn Hawker (Regional Manager) 0845 355 0845 (w) 07876 441237 (m)

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