Scottish Water Branch adapts fast to meet challenges
By by David Wilkinson, Chair UNISON Scottish Water
Pressure to cut operating costs by the Water Industry Commission
and changes to legislation mean that UNISON members in the
Scottish Water Industry are having to adapt fast to a changing
industrial landscape. The branch faces twin challenges of
private competition and joint venture working.
Branch Secretary, Stephan Walker said, "Our aim in all of
this is to work with Scottish Water and partner companies
to protect our members' jobs and terms and conditions; and
help make sure that Scottish Water continues to be a successful
and sustainable business".
The recent Water Services (Scotland) Act demands that Scottish
Water must, set up an entirely separate retail company (Scottish
Water Retail) by 1st April 2006, to provide water and wastewater
services to all their commercial customers.
From April 2008 this service will be opened up to external
competition from private retailers. Competition does not apply
to domestic customers, and since there will be no common carriage
of water, all customers will continue to receive water from
Scottish Water as they do at present.
However, the effect on staff will certainly be significant.
UNISON has already been involved in wholesale/retail splits
in the energy sector and that experience has shown that those
most affected are in the customer-facing areas.
The Minister has already stated that he will issue a TUPE
transfer order to transfer key staff across to the new business.
At the same time, Scottish Water is delivering an investment
programme worth around £550m per year.
To facilitate this, the organisation has set up a joint venture,
Scottish Water Solutions, partnering companies such as United
Utilities, Thames Water and KBR. Participating in this joint
venture has been a major culture shock for our members.
Branch members and representatives have had to adapt to new
ways of working, promoting members' interests within the partnership
while securing future employment by efficiently delivering
the current programme.
Branch website: www.unisonscowater.freeuk.com
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