GMB Scotland Warns of Strike at Scottish Water – Union Calls Out “Gaslighting” Tactics
Scottish Water’s workforce is gearing up for a strike later this month after failed pay talks. The GMB Scotland union is blasting the company for what it calls “gaslighting” when it tried to yank the terms of a once‑approved pay offer.
What Went Wrong?
The original offer was a 3.4% pay rise—something the union’s members had already voted against a few weeks earlier. According to Claire Greer, GMB’s organiser at Scottish Water, the company “arrived at talks with a clear offer, only to deliver a completely different, inferior one at the last minute.”
- Initial Offer: 3.4% pay increase
- Member Vote: Rejected the offer
- Company’s New Offer: Lowered terms and switched up the deal
- Union Response: Calling it gaslighting and demanding a fair bargain
“It’s Beyond the Pale”
Greer said, “If this isn’t shocking already, it’s definitely out of line. It’s not just frustrating—it’s inexplicable.” The union claims Scottish Water’s flip‑flopping has left staff feeling betrayed and “gaslit,” adding that the company’s “realistic” offers keep turning on their head.
Unison Joins the Debate
Unison’s lead, Emma Phillips, announced that attempts to coax Scottish Water into compromise were “unreasonable” and that the union must prepare for an all‑out strike. Phillips notes that they’ve tried to negotiate “but the company has been completely unwilling to make concessions.”
Scottish Water’s Spin
The company’s spokesperson urges unions to return to the table. “We’ve been offering a above‑inflation pay deal since December that prioritises those on the lowest salary grades. No one wins with industrial action,” the spokesperson said, insisting it’s a “fair, progressive” offer.
What’s Next?
Both sides seem at dead‑lock. Union members say “enough is enough,” while Scottish Water insists negotiations should resume “as soon as possible.” Regardless, the clock tick-tocks toward a strike that could disrupt services for millions across Scotland.
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