Scottish Water staff call off strike after improved pay offer

Scottish Water workers have called off a further 24-strike after new talks in a dispute over pay.

Members of three unions – Unite, the GMB and Unison – had planned to walk out on Tuesday after rejecting a deal worth around 2.8%.

But Unison said an “improved offer” had been made during pay talks on Monday, and the strike had been paused to allow members to consider it.

A walk out scheduled for Friday last week had also been suspended.

Unison’s Scotland organiser, Emma Phillips, said: “The threat of further industrial action has led to Scottish Water making a better offer.

“Staff will now be consulted over whether they think it’s acceptable.

“The union believes the latest offer still undervalues the workforce at Scottish Water, but ultimately the decision is in their hands.”

The action follows a two-day strike in April and a 24-hour strike in March.

Scottish Water said previously that it was offering an above-inflation pay proposal that was “fair and progressive”.

A spokesperson said: “No-one benefits from industrial action and our focus is on continuing to deliver for our millions of customers across Scotland.”

The company said plans were in place to enable normal services in the event of strike action.