Trade Union Latest: Scottish Water Statement

Scottish Water Statement on Trade Union Strike Action and Talks 

UPDATED: Friday, 6 June 2025

A spokesperson for Scottish Water said: “After three days of talks with the Joint Trade Unions we made an improved pay offer that would see average wages increase by more than 7% over two years. This included a minimum increase of £2,825 over the period.

“In addition, we also proposed a number of other enhancements including improved standby payments and carers’ leave.

“This is a very strong and progressive offer that balances the interests of our people and customers’ and we have asked the Joint Trade Unions to ballot their members on the new proposal.

“It is in everyone’s interests that the current dispute is resolved so that our people can get the pay increases they deserve and return to delivering an essential service to the people of Scotland.”

UPDATED: Wednesday, 4 June 2025

Statement on Trade Union Strike Action and Talks 

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer said: “We’re pleased the trade unions met with us yesterday, with talks lasting late into the evening.

“We tabled a number of suggestions during the discussions and have invited trade union colleagues to reconvene.

“It is in everyone’s interests that a sensible solution is found that is fair to our people and our customers.

“In the meantime, robust plans are in place to protect Scottish Water’s essential services.”

Scottish Water Statement on Trade Union Ballot Result

UPDATED: Monday, 2 June 2025

Following the start of Scottish Water trade union strike action today, after members voted to reject Scottish Water’s pay offer in line with the trade unions’ recommendation, the company has issued the following statement:

Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “This week’s industrial action is unnecessary. It will mean union members losing valuable wages and add extra costs to the business which are ultimately paid for by customers.

“We invited the joint trade unions to talk over the weekend but unfortunately they refused to meet without preconditions.

“Given how close the vote against our latest pay offer was, we felt a resolution was possible and would be welcomed by all our colleagues.

“It is now time for the joint trade union leadership to return to the table with a sensible solution that ends this dispute.

“In the meantime, we have robust plans in place to maintain essential services should the trade unions press ahead with their strike action.”

Scottish Water’s latest proposal would see an average pay increase of around 7% over two years (2024/25 and 2025/26), comfortably above inflation. 

As an example, a Scottish Water Treatment Operator on a current salary of £31,205 would move to £35,185, following both the pay offer and their annual in-grade increase. The pay offer alone would lift their salary to £33,980 – an increase of almost 9%. The annual in-grade increase (pay progression) is worth a further 3.5% 
 
This latest round of pay negotiations started in June 2024. Since then, Scottish Water has made seven offers. 

Unlike other parts of the public sector, average wages at Scottish Water have increased by more than 10% above inflation (CPI) over the last decade, reflecting the company’s investment in its people.