Date: Wed 12 September 2012

Unions in Scottish Power agree breakthrough 10% pay deal

Trade unions representing thousands of workers in the Energy Networks and Connections businesses of Scottish Power have agreed a breakthrough 10% pay rise over three years. The deal agreed by trade union members of UNISON, GMB, Unite and Prospect runs from 1 January 2012. It guarantees workers an above inflation increase in year one.

Gerry Crawley, Regional Organiser of the biggest energy union UNISON and one of the lead trade union negotiators in Scottish Power said:
“Union members in Energy Networks and Connections now have guaranteed pay rises over three years. This pay deal is a major breakthrough in the private sector and in particular in utilities, as it represents an above inflation increase in year one. 

 “Our hard working members have recently had to endure an imposed pay freeze. They worked throughout that period without any rise and continued to deliver a professional service.

“Now they are getting a guaranteed pay rise for the next three years and that will be welcome news for them and their families in this time of economic austerity and rising prices.”

The 10% pay rise over three years has taken almost a year to negotiate with Scottish Power due to the complexities contained within the offer.

Mike Kirby, UNISON Scottish Secretary commented:
“This is excellent news for UNISON members in Scottish Power and for the members of the other three unions as well. An above inflation increase for union members in Scottish Power in year one demonstrates yet again the benefits of being in a trade union – it was experienced trade union negotiators who secured this 10% three year deal.

“The Westminster coalition government would rather see no pay rises - but UNISON and the other TUC affiliated  trade unions north and south of the border will continue to negotiate and fight for decent pay for all of their members.” 

ENDS 

Notes for editors

1. Trade union members of UNISON, GMB, Unite and Prospect collectively agreed today to accept what was on offer from Scottish Power management. This is a complex pay deal covering the period 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2014. It covers a new job evaluation and pay and grading structure, and it ensures that there is a 4% pay rise in Year 1, a 3% pay rise in Year 2 and a 3% pay rise in Year 3. The pay deal covers Scottish Power trade union members in Scotland, England and Wales.

2. UNISON is the largest union in the electricity sector in Scotland. In this section of Scottish Power over 85% of employees are a members of a trade union. 

For more information please contact:
Gerry Crawley, Regional Organiser, on 07958 121 805
Malcolm Burns, Communications Officer, on 0141 342 2877 or 078765 66978
Fiona Montgomery, Communications Officer, on 0141 342 2877 or 07508 877000

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