UNISON Scotland today welcomed the announcement of a consultation over the proposed Scottish Water Bill. The aim of the Bill remains to keep Scottish Water in public ownership, but to allow the utility to expand its operations and engage in wider activities such as renewable energy projects.
It also provides an opportunity to promote a wider vision of water resources. UNISON particularly welcomes the Minister’s commitment to retain the control of Scottish Water in public ownership.
UNISON’s Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said: “UNISON Scotland shares the long term vision that Scotland’s water is much more than the provision of a utility. It is a vital economic asset that will become even more important in the years to come. If the 20th Century was dominated by oil, then the 21st Century will be dominated by water provision. Wet countries like Scotland are well placed to exploit the economic and environmental opportunities.”
UNISON expects that the usual vested interests will use the Bill consultation to yet again argue the case for privatisation. This would involve selling off assets paid for by the taxpayer over many years at a fraction of its true value.
We would be selling off huge swathes of Scotland, almost certainly to foreign interests, together with the opportunity to exploit Scotland’s water potential for the benefit of big business rather than the people. Charge payers would face higher bills to pay for the purchase debt, fees and directors salaries.
Dave Watson added: “Those arguing for privatisation, or the Trojan horse that is mutualisation, have no vision beyond a quick profit for their companies. They are tied to a narrow privatisation ideology that Scotland rightly rejects. When communities across the world are reclaiming their water, it would be crazy for Scotland to abandon our greatest asset.”
UNISON Scotland regards the Bill consultation as an important step towards a broader approach to water in Scotland. The current approach of the Scottish Water Board and the regulatory framework can act as barrier to this larger vision for Scotland’s water.
Scotland needs a democratically accountable, strategic approach to water that is broader than simply providing a utility, important though that is. On Scottish Water much emphasis is placed on the £140m of government financing for capital in the current financial difficulties. Less well known is the fact that £90m is returned through loan repayment.
None of this would be necessary if Scottish Water had prudential borrowing powers and UNISON would argue for the early adoption of this approach. The implementation of the Calman recommendations or the relaxation of HMRC budget guidance could achieve this.
This would also enable a public service solution to the exploitation of the renewable energy opportunities, rather than another expensive ‘partnership’. We need to develop Scotland’s capacity to exploit renewable energy.
For further information please see UNISON Scotland’s Defend Scotland’s Water briefing at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/index.html
Showing posts with label Scottish Water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scottish Water. Show all posts
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
UNISON Scotland Briefing for MSPs on Independent Budget Review
9 September 2010
Ahead of a debate on the Independent Budget Review in the Scottish Parliament this morning, UNISON Scotland has published a Briefing for MSPs on our website www.unison-scotland.org.uk
"The IBR report does not address the disastrous consequences of spending cuts for Scotland. Whilst some of the factual analysis is helpful, the solutions are largely a rather tired rehash of right wing economic orthodoxy. There is an alternative, and UNISON is calling on MSPs to champion a better way forward for Scotland."
Briefing: Key Points
See full briefing here: Briefing for MSPs
.
Ahead of a debate on the Independent Budget Review in the Scottish Parliament this morning, UNISON Scotland has published a Briefing for MSPs on our website www.unison-scotland.org.uk
"The IBR report does not address the disastrous consequences of spending cuts for Scotland. Whilst some of the factual analysis is helpful, the solutions are largely a rather tired rehash of right wing economic orthodoxy. There is an alternative, and UNISON is calling on MSPs to champion a better way forward for Scotland."
Briefing: Key Points
- The financial projections, whilst disastrous for public services and the economy, actually understate the scale of cuts in local services.
- There is a credible economic alternative to cuts in public spending.
- The privatisation of Scottish Water would contribute nothing to the capital budget; result in higher bills to the charge payer and transfer control of Scotland’s greatest asset abroad.
- Outsourcing will cost more and break up integrated service delivery.
- Shared services will make, at best, only a long term contribution to cost savings.
- It is unfair to ask public service workers to pay for the failure of private corporate folly through pay cuts and reduced pensions.
- Universal provision is more efficient and contributes to a better performing more equal society.
- Cuts at this level and at this time in the economic cycle, will damage the economy and result in huge job cuts in the private as well as the public sector.
- There is a better way! At UNISON Public Works and the STUC Better Way websites.
See full briefing here: Briefing for MSPs
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Thursday, July 29, 2010
UNISON comprehensively rejects the Independent Budget Review proposals
Date: Thursday 29 July 2010
UNISON Scotland today comprehensively rejected the Independent Budget Review proposals as an assault on public services that will damage the economy.
“Once the Scottish people realise that this means handing over their water service to the bankers, reducing the quality of their child’s education and cutting back on their elderly relatives’ care, they will reject this agenda.”
As well as up to 60,000 job losses, the report includes a range of proposals that run the risk of putting us back into recession.
Glyn added:
“Job losses on this scale will of course hit services. And their insistence on redundancies and pay freezes run the risk of taking us back into recession. With 70p in every pound spent on public services finding its way back into the local economy the programme of mass redundancies and real terms wage cuts will be a real blow to many local economies across Scotland.”
UNISON, the largest public services union, has said all along that the real issue is the kind of services our society wants and how we pay for them. It is wrong for politicians to be willing to make cuts on such a scale, yet not to consider fair taxation. The Scottish Parliament has tax varying powers and the people of Scotland voted for it to have them.
The report suggests the council tax freeze is unsustainable and that is correct, but UNISON would also say it is unsustainable not to look at asking those who can pay more in tax to do so.
Glyn said:
“Cuts on this scale will hit middle and low income families hard and will be especially hard on women. If classroom assistants lose their jobs, mums will be expected to volunteer. They also face cuts in before and after school services that could affect whether they can work.”
UNISON response to the Report’s chapter conclusions and recommendations:
Public Spending Environment
UNISON believes all public services are valuable, and should be ring fenced. Why should the ordinary people of Scotland pay for the bankers’ greed? Let us be clear though - the Independent Budget Review argues for a policy of no protected areas in public sector: this means health and education will face cuts along with the rest of our public services.
Fair taxes and government borrowing remain the most cost-effective ways of funding public spending.
Efficiency
The Review accepts that efficiencies will become ever more "challenging" - and then sets a minimum 2% annual efficiency target. The real agenda however is revealed in the well worn recommendations for shared services arrangements across the public sector; and "mainstream roles" for the private and voluntary/third sectors in the delivery of public services. These are not plans for efficient and effective public services - they are in fact costly and inefficient ways of opening up public services to profiteers.
Remuneration and workforce
The loss of up to 60,000 jobs will have a major impact on services. The proper place to deal with public sector pay is in negotiations. Pay freezes and pay cuts for public service workers will damage economic recovery, and hit local communities and small businesses too. UNISON will continue to campaign for fair pay as inflation rises around 5%.
Flexibility would open up issues of equal pay which we are only now resolving after 40 years of the Equal Pay Act.
Universal services
Introducing charges and means testing to services that currently benefit everyone creates an expensive new bureaucracy. If there is a concern that some people are receiving services they can well afford, the value for money option is to charge them via taxation rather than setting up a ‘department for social insecurity’ to administer charging.
Capital
Scottish Water should remain in democratic control. Setting it up as a ‘public interest company’ would be privatisation by stealth.
An enhanced role for the Scottish Futures Trust is likely to see further wasteful use of private financing for public sector projects. Lessons must be learned from the hugely expensive PFI/PPP projects.
Shaping the future
Scotland’s Parliament should provide leadership by working to fund quality public services and resisting a cuts and privatisation agenda.
ends
Notes to Editors:
1. UNISON responses to the report, including two earlier releases today, are here on our frequently updated blog at: http://unison-scotland.blogspot.com/
2. UNISON’s alternative budget is at: www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/18887.pdf
3. UNISON’s submission to the Independent Budget Review is at: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/UNISONResponse_IndependentBudgetReviewApril2010.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Glyn Hawker, Scottish Organiser (Bargaining & Equal Pay) 07876 441 237
Fiona Montgomery, Communications Officer 0141 342 2877 (o) 07908 672 890 (m)
Malcolm Burns, Communications Officer 0141 342 2877 (o) 07958 063 182 (m)
UNISON Scotland today comprehensively rejected the Independent Budget Review proposals as an assault on public services that will damage the economy.Scottish Organiser Glyn Hawker said:
“This is not an attempt to balance the books. It is a major assault on vital public services and it is about opening up profit opportunities for the fat cats.
“The report hides behind a rhetoric of ‘tough choices’ and ‘targeting’, but what these proposals will do is reduce the quality of life for all but the richest, as the services we use are removed or run down.
“Once the Scottish people realise that this means handing over their water service to the bankers, reducing the quality of their child’s education and cutting back on their elderly relatives’ care, they will reject this agenda.”
As well as up to 60,000 job losses, the report includes a range of proposals that run the risk of putting us back into recession.
Glyn added:
“Job losses on this scale will of course hit services. And their insistence on redundancies and pay freezes run the risk of taking us back into recession. With 70p in every pound spent on public services finding its way back into the local economy the programme of mass redundancies and real terms wage cuts will be a real blow to many local economies across Scotland.”
UNISON, the largest public services union, has said all along that the real issue is the kind of services our society wants and how we pay for them. It is wrong for politicians to be willing to make cuts on such a scale, yet not to consider fair taxation. The Scottish Parliament has tax varying powers and the people of Scotland voted for it to have them.
The report suggests the council tax freeze is unsustainable and that is correct, but UNISON would also say it is unsustainable not to look at asking those who can pay more in tax to do so.
Glyn said:
“Cuts on this scale will hit middle and low income families hard and will be especially hard on women. If classroom assistants lose their jobs, mums will be expected to volunteer. They also face cuts in before and after school services that could affect whether they can work.”
UNISON response to the Report’s chapter conclusions and recommendations:
Public Spending Environment
UNISON believes all public services are valuable, and should be ring fenced. Why should the ordinary people of Scotland pay for the bankers’ greed? Let us be clear though - the Independent Budget Review argues for a policy of no protected areas in public sector: this means health and education will face cuts along with the rest of our public services.
Fair taxes and government borrowing remain the most cost-effective ways of funding public spending.
Efficiency
The Review accepts that efficiencies will become ever more "challenging" - and then sets a minimum 2% annual efficiency target. The real agenda however is revealed in the well worn recommendations for shared services arrangements across the public sector; and "mainstream roles" for the private and voluntary/third sectors in the delivery of public services. These are not plans for efficient and effective public services - they are in fact costly and inefficient ways of opening up public services to profiteers.
Remuneration and workforce
The loss of up to 60,000 jobs will have a major impact on services. The proper place to deal with public sector pay is in negotiations. Pay freezes and pay cuts for public service workers will damage economic recovery, and hit local communities and small businesses too. UNISON will continue to campaign for fair pay as inflation rises around 5%.
Flexibility would open up issues of equal pay which we are only now resolving after 40 years of the Equal Pay Act.
Universal services
Introducing charges and means testing to services that currently benefit everyone creates an expensive new bureaucracy. If there is a concern that some people are receiving services they can well afford, the value for money option is to charge them via taxation rather than setting up a ‘department for social insecurity’ to administer charging.
Capital
Scottish Water should remain in democratic control. Setting it up as a ‘public interest company’ would be privatisation by stealth.
An enhanced role for the Scottish Futures Trust is likely to see further wasteful use of private financing for public sector projects. Lessons must be learned from the hugely expensive PFI/PPP projects.
Shaping the future
Scotland’s Parliament should provide leadership by working to fund quality public services and resisting a cuts and privatisation agenda.
ends
Notes to Editors:
1. UNISON responses to the report, including two earlier releases today, are here on our frequently updated blog at: http://unison-scotland.blogspot.com/
2. UNISON’s alternative budget is at: www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/18887.pdf
3. UNISON’s submission to the Independent Budget Review is at: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/UNISONResponse_IndependentBudgetReviewApril2010.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Glyn Hawker, Scottish Organiser (Bargaining & Equal Pay) 07876 441 237
Fiona Montgomery, Communications Officer 0141 342 2877 (o) 07908 672 890 (m)
Malcolm Burns, Communications Officer 0141 342 2877 (o) 07958 063 182 (m)
'Not in the public interest': UNISON calls on government to reject privatisation of Scottish Water by stealth
 |
| Defend Scotland's Water: briefing on the case for public ownership. Click here for pdf |
Date: Thu 29 July 2010
UNISON has called on the Scottish Government to reject the proposal to effectively privatise Scottish Water contained in the Independent Budget Review.
Gerry Crawley, Regional Organiser, said:
"The proposal to privatise Scottish Water by stealth is not acceptable - and is certainly not in the public interest. We call on the Scottish Government to reject this unwise proposal.
"The pro-privatisation sharks have been circling around Scottish Water, first proposing a different funding mechanism, then a supposedly mutual model. The latest disguise is what they call a 'public interest company' similar to Welsh Water. These are all attempts to privatise by stealth.
Gerry Crawley said:
"We certainly do not want follow the Welsh Water model as a mutual or 'public interest company'. In the capital intensive water industry, bodies like these are effectively controlled by the private financial institutions. They would insist that their risk is minimised by transferring services and jobs to English and European private water companies. That is what is happening at Welsh Water."
"Any move away from democratic control and towards private funding - including under the guise of a 'public interest company' - would actually cost us all more. The people of Scotland do not want to see profiteering from such an essential public service. It is simply not in the public interest."
Gerry Crawley said:
“Scottish Water belongs to the people. It is owned by the Scottish government for the Scottish people. This issue has already been settled by a referendum. UNISON is 100% certain that the Scottish people will reject any attempt to remove Scottish Water from democratic control."
ends
Note for Editors:
1. UNISON’s recent briefing Defend Scotland’s Water has highlighted how the pro-privatisation sharks are circling around Scottish Water; why these vested interests want it sold off at a knock-down price; and how private finance would lead to private control. Defend Scotland’s Water is available on the UNISONScotland website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/defendscotlandswater_mar2010.pdf
2. UNISON, along with the STUC and the other unions involved in the water industry all believe that we should join with the worldwide movement in favour of democratisation of water. The unions have produced a discussion paper It’s Scotland’s Water outlining ways to greater accountability for Scottish Water. It is available on the UNISON website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Gerry Crawley, Regional Organiser 07958 121 805 (m)
Fiona Montgomery, Communications Officer 0141 342 2877 (o) 07908 672 890 (m)
Malcolm Burns, Communications Officer 0141 342 2877 (o) 07958 063 182 (m)
.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Removal of Scottish Water from democratic control would be unwise
Date: Fri 23 July 2010
UNISON today urged the Scottish Government to maintain Scottish Water in public control.
The public services union rejected recent calls for any form of privatisation or mutualisation and warned that these are being promoted by vested interests.
Gerry Crawley, Regional Organiser, said: “We are calling on Ministers to ensure that Scottish Water stays in public hands.
“The usual suspects, including the Scottish Futures Trust, have recently suggested some form of sell-off, but the people of Scotland do not want to see profiteering from such an essential public service.
“The Independent Budget Review report from the ‘three wise men’ is due next week. If it argues for some form of mutualisation or privatisation, Ministers should stand up for Scotland by keeping the nation’s greatest economic asset publicly owned.”
UNISON’s recent briefing ‘Defend Scotland’s Water’ highlighted how the pro-privatisation sharks are circling around Scottish Water and why these vested interests want it sold off at a knock-down price.
Gerry added: “We in the trade union movement urge politicians across the political spectrum to defend Scotland’s water from the privatisation sharks.
“It’s Scotland’s water and it would be unwise to remove it from democratic control.”
Note for Editors:
1. The UNISON briefing Defend Scotland’s Water is available on the UNISONScotland website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/defendscotlandswater_mar2010.pdf
2. UNISON, along with the STUC and the other unions involved in the water industry all believe that we should join with the worldwide movement in favour of democratisation of water. The unions have produced a discussion paper It’s Scotland’s Water outlining ways to greater accountability for Scottish Water. It is available on the UNISON website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
.
UNISON today urged the Scottish Government to maintain Scottish Water in public control.
The public services union rejected recent calls for any form of privatisation or mutualisation and warned that these are being promoted by vested interests.
Gerry Crawley, Regional Organiser, said: “We are calling on Ministers to ensure that Scottish Water stays in public hands.
“The usual suspects, including the Scottish Futures Trust, have recently suggested some form of sell-off, but the people of Scotland do not want to see profiteering from such an essential public service.
“The Independent Budget Review report from the ‘three wise men’ is due next week. If it argues for some form of mutualisation or privatisation, Ministers should stand up for Scotland by keeping the nation’s greatest economic asset publicly owned.”
UNISON’s recent briefing ‘Defend Scotland’s Water’ highlighted how the pro-privatisation sharks are circling around Scottish Water and why these vested interests want it sold off at a knock-down price.
Gerry added: “We in the trade union movement urge politicians across the political spectrum to defend Scotland’s water from the privatisation sharks.
“It’s Scotland’s water and it would be unwise to remove it from democratic control.”
Note for Editors:
1. The UNISON briefing Defend Scotland’s Water is available on the UNISONScotland website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/defendscotlandswater_mar2010.pdf
2. UNISON, along with the STUC and the other unions involved in the water industry all believe that we should join with the worldwide movement in favour of democratisation of water. The unions have produced a discussion paper It’s Scotland’s Water outlining ways to greater accountability for Scottish Water. It is available on the UNISON website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
UNISON slams water sell-off report as ideological dogma
Date: 8 April 2010
UNISON Scotland today condemned the conclusions of the report published by the Centre for Public Policy and Regions (CPPR), calling for private sector take over of Scottish Water, as bizarre, saying that Scotland’s water is a national asset - not a pool for multinationals to drain profits from.
UNISON Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said;
“This report is simply another attempt by consultants to exploit the financial crisis to advocate privatisation. The CPPR report correctly says that Scottish Water is a ‘notable success’, but then, bizarrely, goes on to recommend failed private sector models like PPP/ PFI or even privatisation. Given the ‘success’ of private sector banks recently this sounds like the recipe for disaster, poorer service and higher water charges.
“The report says that the Scottish Government can no longer afford the small borrowing line it provides to Scottish Water, and it should be spent elsewhere on ‘front line’ services. Since when is providing quality water supplies and removing sewage not a front line service? All their ‘alternatives’ are failed privatising schemes.
“Scottish Water gave up on PFI some 12 years ago for good reasons - because it costs a fortune. Even the pro-privatisation Water Industry Commission has stated that the schemes are not cost effective.
“Privatisation or mutualisation would mean selling off public assets built up over many years, at taxpayers expense, at a knock down price. Add to that dividends, profits, fat cat salaries and consultancy fees - all to be funded by the water charge payer. Ask any fan of Manchester Utd if they think bringing in a new debt laden owner is a good business model!.
“There appears to be no logical rationale behind this rehashed report. The real reason for it is that the usual suspects just hate a successful public sector model. It goes against their dogma - it doesn't fit the ideology.
“People want Scotland’s water to remain a public service – not a pool that multi nationals drain for profit."
ENDS
Note for Editors:
1) The unions have produced a discussion paper It’s Scotland’s Water outlining ways to greater accountability for Scottish Water. It is available on the UNISON website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser) 07958 122 409 (m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729 (m)
.
UNISON Scotland today condemned the conclusions of the report published by the Centre for Public Policy and Regions (CPPR), calling for private sector take over of Scottish Water, as bizarre, saying that Scotland’s water is a national asset - not a pool for multinationals to drain profits from.
UNISON Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said;
“This report is simply another attempt by consultants to exploit the financial crisis to advocate privatisation. The CPPR report correctly says that Scottish Water is a ‘notable success’, but then, bizarrely, goes on to recommend failed private sector models like PPP/ PFI or even privatisation. Given the ‘success’ of private sector banks recently this sounds like the recipe for disaster, poorer service and higher water charges.
“The report says that the Scottish Government can no longer afford the small borrowing line it provides to Scottish Water, and it should be spent elsewhere on ‘front line’ services. Since when is providing quality water supplies and removing sewage not a front line service? All their ‘alternatives’ are failed privatising schemes.
“Scottish Water gave up on PFI some 12 years ago for good reasons - because it costs a fortune. Even the pro-privatisation Water Industry Commission has stated that the schemes are not cost effective.
“Privatisation or mutualisation would mean selling off public assets built up over many years, at taxpayers expense, at a knock down price. Add to that dividends, profits, fat cat salaries and consultancy fees - all to be funded by the water charge payer. Ask any fan of Manchester Utd if they think bringing in a new debt laden owner is a good business model!.
“There appears to be no logical rationale behind this rehashed report. The real reason for it is that the usual suspects just hate a successful public sector model. It goes against their dogma - it doesn't fit the ideology.
“People want Scotland’s water to remain a public service – not a pool that multi nationals drain for profit."
ENDS
Note for Editors:
1) The unions have produced a discussion paper It’s Scotland’s Water outlining ways to greater accountability for Scottish Water. It is available on the UNISON website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser) 07958 122 409 (m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729 (m)
.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sharks circling Scottish Water - UNISON
Date: 30 March 2010
The largest union in Scottish Water, UNISON, today accused government agencies of being part of a concerted campaign to use the financial crisis as cover for the privatisation of Scotland’s water.
In launching its policy briefing Defend Scotland’s Water, the union pointed to previous statements in favour of privatisation by the Water Industry Commission Chair, Sir Ian Byatt; the recent announcement by The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) that it is looking at privatisation; and the comments of one of the Scottish Government’s ‘Independent’ Budget Review panel members – Crawford Beveridge - on BBC Newsnight Scotland last night, suggesting this issue should be examined again.
Speaking at a meeting of UNISON water representatives, Dave Watson UNISON Scottish Organiser said:
“The sharks are circling again around Scotland’s greatest asset – our water. The regulatory regime has been preparing Scottish Water for privatisation for some time, driven by the ideological zeal of the Water Industry Commission Chair, Sir Ian Byatt. He has been joined by the SFT led by another privatisation advocate and banker, Sir Angus Grossart. Given this concerted campaign supported by the private sector who are keen to get their hands on our water at a knock down price, we need to make it crystal clear, that water is both, an essential public service, and, given the global water crisis, one of Scotland’s greatest economic assets.”
The UNISON briefing outlines the huge costs of privatisation to the water charge payer, including higher borrowing costs, billing systems, and dividends It also points to the beneficiaries of privatisation being the corporate financiers, consultants and company directors – particularly of the big overseas water multinationals who would target the privatised company.
UNISION also points to the continued ‘marking down’ of the value of Scottish Water’s assets, from £15bn when the corporation was created, down to current discussions of around £1bn, This is in order to make the package an attractive price for the private sector, particularly given the massive programme of investments the taxpayer has funded. Despite this investment and the additional costs of delivering this service in Scotland charges are lower than the UK average.
UNISON also rejects the supposed ‘alternative’ of mutualisation. Dave Watson said:
“In a capital intensive industry like water, mutualisation is not a co-operative solution. All services would be delivered by private water companies with all the costs of privatisation. It sounds cuddly and safe, but in reality it is a Trojan horse for privatisation. “UNISON, along with the STUC and the other unions involved in the water industry have been engaged in the debate about the future of Scottish Water, and we all believe that we should join with the worldwide movement in favour of democratisation of this essential service*.”
ENDS
Note for Editors:
1) The UNISON briefing is available on the UNISONScotland website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/defendscotlandswater_mar2010.pdf
2) *The unions have produced a discussion paper It’s Scotland’s Water outlining ways to greater accountability for Scottish Water. It is available on the UNISON website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
.
The largest union in Scottish Water, UNISON, today accused government agencies of being part of a concerted campaign to use the financial crisis as cover for the privatisation of Scotland’s water.
Speaking at a meeting of UNISON water representatives, Dave Watson UNISON Scottish Organiser said:
“The sharks are circling again around Scotland’s greatest asset – our water. The regulatory regime has been preparing Scottish Water for privatisation for some time, driven by the ideological zeal of the Water Industry Commission Chair, Sir Ian Byatt. He has been joined by the SFT led by another privatisation advocate and banker, Sir Angus Grossart. Given this concerted campaign supported by the private sector who are keen to get their hands on our water at a knock down price, we need to make it crystal clear, that water is both, an essential public service, and, given the global water crisis, one of Scotland’s greatest economic assets.”
The UNISON briefing outlines the huge costs of privatisation to the water charge payer, including higher borrowing costs, billing systems, and dividends It also points to the beneficiaries of privatisation being the corporate financiers, consultants and company directors – particularly of the big overseas water multinationals who would target the privatised company.
UNISION also points to the continued ‘marking down’ of the value of Scottish Water’s assets, from £15bn when the corporation was created, down to current discussions of around £1bn, This is in order to make the package an attractive price for the private sector, particularly given the massive programme of investments the taxpayer has funded. Despite this investment and the additional costs of delivering this service in Scotland charges are lower than the UK average.
UNISON also rejects the supposed ‘alternative’ of mutualisation. Dave Watson said:
“In a capital intensive industry like water, mutualisation is not a co-operative solution. All services would be delivered by private water companies with all the costs of privatisation. It sounds cuddly and safe, but in reality it is a Trojan horse for privatisation. “UNISON, along with the STUC and the other unions involved in the water industry have been engaged in the debate about the future of Scottish Water, and we all believe that we should join with the worldwide movement in favour of democratisation of this essential service*.”
ENDS
Note for Editors:
1) The UNISON briefing is available on the UNISONScotland website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/defendscotlandswater_mar2010.pdf
2) *The unions have produced a discussion paper It’s Scotland’s Water outlining ways to greater accountability for Scottish Water. It is available on the UNISON website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
UNISON Scottish Water Branch launches new website
Weds 2 December 2009
UNISON Scottish Water Branch today launches its new website. The Branch represents 1200 staff in Scotland's public water authority - Scottish Water.
http://www.unisonscottishwater.org.uk/
The new website will keep members up to date with the latest news on Branch and UNISON Scotland matters.
On this site Scottish Water members can also:
· find out where to get help and advice
· contact the Branch
· find out about UNISON membership
· catch up with Branch information such as health & safety and education courses
· connect to other useful websites
· there's even a page for retired members
UNISON Scottish Water Branch members are encouraged to add the new website to their favourites and check it regularly for updates.
UNISON Scottish Water Branch looks after the interests of operatives and office staff in water and wastewater treatment, water and sewerage networks, laboratories, call centres, design and construction of capital works - i.e. all categories of employee in all the functions of the authority, with members in offices and depots throughout Scotland.
.
Monday, June 22, 2009
UNISON calls for action following public sector agency pay report
Date: Mon 22 June 2009
UNISON Scotland has strongly welcomed proposals by the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee to tackle unfairness, delay and low pay in the wage bargaining system for public sector agency staff.
UNISON - the largest public sector union - is calling on Cabinet Secretary John Swinney to engage directly with unions and employers to implement the recommendations of the Finance Committee's Report on Public Sector Pay.
Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser for UNISON, said:
"We welcome the recommendations from this report, and strongly urge the Scottish Government to act on them as soon as possible. The committee has clearly listened to the evidence led by UNISON and others about the delays, bureaucracy and complexities that bedevil the current system for paying public sector agency staff."
The Report on Public Sector Pay by the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee published today includes recommmendations to: ensure that low pay is addressed properly; review pay systems and the costs of addressing discrimination; and review controversial senior staff bonuses.
The Finance Committee states that the process used to determine pay for workers in public sector agencies has "further room for improvement". The report is critical of delays in wage awards, and stresses the need for formal bargaining machinery, relevant benchmarks, and local flexibility.
Dave Watson said:
"It is clearly also unfair that the senior agency staff - like those running the Government's new Scottish Futures Trust - can attract huge salaries and substantial bonuses, even topping the chief executives of our largest councils, while lower-paid staff experience substantial delays to get less than the rate of inflation, with little or no opportunity for negotiation or flexibility."
ends
Notes for Editors:
1. UNISON is Scotland’s largest public sector trade union representing 165,000 members across public services. UNISON members work to deliver vital services not just in Scotland’s NHS and local government, but in a significant number of Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) such as Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA); Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA); Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (SCRC); Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNPA); and Careers Scotland/Skills Development Scotland.
2. The UNISON Scotland submission on Public Sector Pay to the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee in December 2008 can be found on our website http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/publicsectorpay08.html
3. The Report on Public Sector Pay by the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-09/fir09-04.htm
.
UNISON Scotland has strongly welcomed proposals by the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee to tackle unfairness, delay and low pay in the wage bargaining system for public sector agency staff.
UNISON - the largest public sector union - is calling on Cabinet Secretary John Swinney to engage directly with unions and employers to implement the recommendations of the Finance Committee's Report on Public Sector Pay.
Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser for UNISON, said:
"We welcome the recommendations from this report, and strongly urge the Scottish Government to act on them as soon as possible. The committee has clearly listened to the evidence led by UNISON and others about the delays, bureaucracy and complexities that bedevil the current system for paying public sector agency staff."
The Report on Public Sector Pay by the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee published today includes recommmendations to: ensure that low pay is addressed properly; review pay systems and the costs of addressing discrimination; and review controversial senior staff bonuses.
The Finance Committee states that the process used to determine pay for workers in public sector agencies has "further room for improvement". The report is critical of delays in wage awards, and stresses the need for formal bargaining machinery, relevant benchmarks, and local flexibility.
Dave Watson said:
"It is clearly also unfair that the senior agency staff - like those running the Government's new Scottish Futures Trust - can attract huge salaries and substantial bonuses, even topping the chief executives of our largest councils, while lower-paid staff experience substantial delays to get less than the rate of inflation, with little or no opportunity for negotiation or flexibility."
ends
Notes for Editors:
1. UNISON is Scotland’s largest public sector trade union representing 165,000 members across public services. UNISON members work to deliver vital services not just in Scotland’s NHS and local government, but in a significant number of Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) such as Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA); Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA); Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (SCRC); Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNPA); and Careers Scotland/Skills Development Scotland.
2. The UNISON Scotland submission on Public Sector Pay to the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee in December 2008 can be found on our website http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/publicsectorpay08.html
3. The Report on Public Sector Pay by the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/reports-09/fir09-04.htm
.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
UNISON Scotland calls on Euro candidates to make pledge for World Water Day
Date: Friday 20 March 2009
Embargo: 00.01am Sunday 22 March 2009
Sunday 22 March is World Water Day. Across the world campaign groups will be highlighting the importance of clean water and sanitation. UNISON, Scotland’s water trade union is supporting that campaign by asking European Parliament candidates in the June election to sign up to the following pledge:
As in Scotland, 90% of the world's water utilities are publicly owned. Research undertaken by the University of Greenwich (PSIRU) and the World Development Movement has confirmed that the private sector hardly invests in water services when they take over and that most of the large multinational companies have withdrawn from this field of operation. With the financial crisis, several of these companies, including Veolia and Suez Environment, have announced that they will reduce their investment plans. Rather then investing, they are cost-cutting. It is therefore not realistic to believe that the private sector will assist in bringing in investment to reach the Millennium Development Goals.
UNISON Scotland is therefore arguing that the EU should approve and support this pledge in its preparation for the World Water Forum, and make funds available to stimulate public-public partnerships.
UNISON Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said:
“Across the world communities are rejecting the privatisation of water services. Yet in Scotland, despite the economic crisis, we still have a few supporters of market madness who champion this cause. Public water operators bring us closer to meeting the needs of billions who are without regular drinking water and sanitation services. Private companies cannot be allowed to profit from this most basic need”
ends
Notes to editors:
UNISON Scotland has written to all the European candidates from all of Scotland's main political parties: Labour, SNP, LibDems, Conservative and Greens asking them to sign up to our four World Water Day pledges.
The PSIRU research can be found at:
Pipe Dreams - the failure of private sector investment in water services
http://www.psiru.org/reports/2006-03-W-investment.pdf
Sewerage works - about public investment in sanitation services
http://www.psiru.org/reports/2008-03-W-sewers.pdf
UN report
http://webworld.unesco.org/water/wwap/wwdr/wwdr3/index.shtml
UNISON Scotland/STUC report ‘It’s Scotland’s Water’
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
World Water Day is Sunday 22 March 2009
The European Elections will be on Thursday 4 June 2009
Embargo: 00.01am Sunday 22 March 2009
Sunday 22 March is World Water Day. Across the world campaign groups will be highlighting the importance of clean water and sanitation. UNISON, Scotland’s water trade union is supporting that campaign by asking European Parliament candidates in the June election to sign up to the following pledge:
- To recognise access to safe and clean water and sanitation services as a human right.
- To organise the World Water Forum by the United Nations, rather than a private body like the World Water Council.
- To promote Public-Public Partnerships rather than public-private partnerships.
- To support the maintenance of Scottish Water as a public sector utility.
As in Scotland, 90% of the world's water utilities are publicly owned. Research undertaken by the University of Greenwich (PSIRU) and the World Development Movement has confirmed that the private sector hardly invests in water services when they take over and that most of the large multinational companies have withdrawn from this field of operation. With the financial crisis, several of these companies, including Veolia and Suez Environment, have announced that they will reduce their investment plans. Rather then investing, they are cost-cutting. It is therefore not realistic to believe that the private sector will assist in bringing in investment to reach the Millennium Development Goals.
UNISON Scotland is therefore arguing that the EU should approve and support this pledge in its preparation for the World Water Forum, and make funds available to stimulate public-public partnerships.
UNISON Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said:
“Across the world communities are rejecting the privatisation of water services. Yet in Scotland, despite the economic crisis, we still have a few supporters of market madness who champion this cause. Public water operators bring us closer to meeting the needs of billions who are without regular drinking water and sanitation services. Private companies cannot be allowed to profit from this most basic need”
ends
Notes to editors:
UNISON Scotland has written to all the European candidates from all of Scotland's main political parties: Labour, SNP, LibDems, Conservative and Greens asking them to sign up to our four World Water Day pledges.
The PSIRU research can be found at:
Pipe Dreams - the failure of private sector investment in water services
http://www.psiru.org/reports/2006-03-W-investment.pdf
Sewerage works - about public investment in sanitation services
http://www.psiru.org/reports/2008-03-W-sewers.pdf
UN report
http://webworld.unesco.org/water/wwap/wwdr/wwdr3/index.shtml
UNISON Scotland/STUC report ‘It’s Scotland’s Water’
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
World Water Day is Sunday 22 March 2009
The European Elections will be on Thursday 4 June 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
UNISON comment on CBI 's 'double whammy' for the Scottish taxpayer
For immediate release Date: 19 January 2009
UNISON, the largest union representing Scotland’s water and sewage workers, today accused the CBI Scotland of wanting to hit Scots with a ‘double whammy’, by advocating a PFI solution for the new Forth Bridge, and/or selling off Scottish Water to pay for it. These are both ‘solutions’ advocated by Iain McMillan of CBI Scotland at a conference this morning.
UNISON’s Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said:
“Not content with championing PFI to build the new Forth Road bridge, which will effectively cost the price of two bridges to fund one, so that their members can make a nice profit, Mr McMillan wants to cost Scotland’s taxpayers the extra water charges that will be needed to fund the fat cats to take over Scottish Water – a real double whammy for the Scottish Taxpayer.
“What is disappointing in this, is not that the spokesperson for the private sector wants more profits for his members, but that there are two political parties in Holyrood who seem to want to go along with this. Both the Tories and the Liberals seem to have swallowed the myths about private sector efficiencies. You would think that recent experiences would have changed that view.
“UNISON, along with the STUC and the other unions involved in the water industry have been engaged in the debate about the future of Scottish Water, and we all believe that there should be greater democratisation of the service, but it must remain in public hands.”
ENDS
Note for Editors: The unions have produced a discussion paper It’s Scotland’s Water that outlines some ways to allow greater accountability for Scottish Water, and how important the service is for public health and socio-economic development. It is available on the UNISON website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser) 07958 122 409 (m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)
UNISON, the largest union representing Scotland’s water and sewage workers, today accused the CBI Scotland of wanting to hit Scots with a ‘double whammy’, by advocating a PFI solution for the new Forth Bridge, and/or selling off Scottish Water to pay for it. These are both ‘solutions’ advocated by Iain McMillan of CBI Scotland at a conference this morning.
UNISON’s Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said:
“Not content with championing PFI to build the new Forth Road bridge, which will effectively cost the price of two bridges to fund one, so that their members can make a nice profit, Mr McMillan wants to cost Scotland’s taxpayers the extra water charges that will be needed to fund the fat cats to take over Scottish Water – a real double whammy for the Scottish Taxpayer.
“What is disappointing in this, is not that the spokesperson for the private sector wants more profits for his members, but that there are two political parties in Holyrood who seem to want to go along with this. Both the Tories and the Liberals seem to have swallowed the myths about private sector efficiencies. You would think that recent experiences would have changed that view.
“UNISON, along with the STUC and the other unions involved in the water industry have been engaged in the debate about the future of Scottish Water, and we all believe that there should be greater democratisation of the service, but it must remain in public hands.”
ENDS
Note for Editors: The unions have produced a discussion paper It’s Scotland’s Water that outlines some ways to allow greater accountability for Scottish Water, and how important the service is for public health and socio-economic development. It is available on the UNISON website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser) 07958 122 409 (m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)
Friday, November 28, 2008
Water strike across Scotland: a "handy success" on the picket lines
The 24 hour Scottish Water strike which began yesterday at noon moved into Friday morning with pickets out across Scotland.
Edinburgh and East: a "handy success" on the picket lines
Report: 9:15am
UNISON Scotland Regional Organiser Dougie Black reports "a handy success" from the Fairmilehead site in Edinburgh. There have been pickets on each gate and not much sign of anyone crossing in to work.
"Quite a quite a few turned away when they saw the pickets, and some contractors and the mail did not cross," Dougie told the blog.
Also in the East, the Livingston picket has been well supported this morning and the site was so quiet it appeared to be shut completely.
Aberdeen and Dundee: "very, very successful"
Update: 10:30am
Scottish Water Branch Chair Dave Wilkins was on the picket line at Kingshill House. Dave reports that the only people going in were the occasional consultant and contractor. He counted only 4 direct Scottish Water employees at work and the car park was virtually empty.
Branch Secretary Steve Scott also reports that Bullion House in Dundee have been successsfully picketed.
Picture update 13:00 - pics from Aberdeen this morning:
Looks like more people were on picket duty...
...than on work duty!
Further picture update - Dumfries and Fort William
There were many places around Scotland where the strike was unfolding and pickets were active...
Edinburgh and East: a "handy success" on the picket lines
Report: 9:15am
UNISON Scotland Regional Organiser Dougie Black reports "a handy success" from the Fairmilehead site in Edinburgh. There have been pickets on each gate and not much sign of anyone crossing in to work.
"Quite a quite a few turned away when they saw the pickets, and some contractors and the mail did not cross," Dougie told the blog.
Also in the East, the Livingston picket has been well supported this morning and the site was so quiet it appeared to be shut completely.
Aberdeen and Dundee: "very, very successful"
Update: 10:30am
Scottish Water Branch Chair Dave Wilkins was on the picket line at Kingshill House. Dave reports that the only people going in were the occasional consultant and contractor. He counted only 4 direct Scottish Water employees at work and the car park was virtually empty.
Branch Secretary Steve Scott also reports that Bullion House in Dundee have been successsfully picketed.
Picture update 13:00 - pics from Aberdeen this morning:
Further picture update - Dumfries and Fort William
There were many places around Scotland where the strike was unfolding and pickets were active...
from the Highlands like these stalwarts in Fort William....
...to the South of Scotland, and this happy bunch of activists in Dumfries, the message from UNISON and the ther unions was: Cut My Pay - No Way!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
STV video: Scottish Water workers in pay row walkout
 |
| The organisation says plans are in place to cope with the strike |
Several hundred workers with Scottish Water are taking part in a 24-hour walk-out in a dispute over pay.
Union leaders say the industrial action, which started at noon on Thursday, will affect Scottish Water operations across the country.
Employees are protesting a pay increase which they claim is unfair.
Dougie Black, a negotiator with Unison, said: "Clearly it is an issue which our members feel very strongly about.
"I would invite Scottish Water and the Scottish Government, even at this late stage, to come back to the negotiating table.
"We are always ready to talk about a way to settle this dispute."
The Herald: Scottish Water workers begin strike
Herald Video: Scottish Water workers begin strike
Hundreds of workers from Scottish Water walked out today in a dispute over pay which could hit services across the country.
Unions leaders expect up to 2,000 staff to take part in the action across Scotland.
Workers started the 24-hour strike at midday in protest at a pay rise they claim is unfair.
But Scottish Water said it was "deeply disappointed" with the decision to strike. The company added contingency plans were in place to ensure normal services were maintained during the strike.
Dougie Black, a negotiator with Unison, said the strike action was going ahead because of the pay award and the manner in which it was imposed.
He said: "The employers imposed a pay award on our members this year and undermined the whole of the industrial relations machinery in Scottish Water.
"I hope the strike sends a really strong message to Scottish Water that our members are serious about winning a fair pay award this year.
"We want the employers to come back to the negotiating table and speak to us about how they can improve upon this offer."
Scottish Water staff from the Unison, Unite and GMB unions are involved in the action. They are angry about a pay rise from Scottish Water of 3% over 15 months.
Mr Black predicted the strike could cause disruption for customers.
"For the 24 hours the strike is taking place, Scottish Water services are going to be affected," he said.
"There won't be responses to individual incidents such as burst pipes."
He added if there was a "significant public health risk", union members would be asked to respond.
He added: "I hope Scottish Water customers understand clearly why we need to take this action."
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer service delivery director, said: "We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers.
"I am confident we can continue to deliver this."
Director of communications Chris Wallace added: "We are deeply disappointed; this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water.
"We have been in continuous dialogue with unions for a considerable time regarding this year's pay award.
"We are aware of the demands on everyone's pay in today's tough economic climate, but we believe we have given the best possible deal under the circumstances."
He added it was the only pay deal Scottish Water could give "under public sector guidelines".
Hundreds of workers from Scottish Water walked out today in a dispute over pay which could hit services across the country.
Unions leaders expect up to 2,000 staff to take part in the action across Scotland.
Workers started the 24-hour strike at midday in protest at a pay rise they claim is unfair.
But Scottish Water said it was "deeply disappointed" with the decision to strike. The company added contingency plans were in place to ensure normal services were maintained during the strike.
Dougie Black, a negotiator with Unison, said the strike action was going ahead because of the pay award and the manner in which it was imposed.
He said: "The employers imposed a pay award on our members this year and undermined the whole of the industrial relations machinery in Scottish Water.
"I hope the strike sends a really strong message to Scottish Water that our members are serious about winning a fair pay award this year.
"We want the employers to come back to the negotiating table and speak to us about how they can improve upon this offer."
Scottish Water staff from the Unison, Unite and GMB unions are involved in the action. They are angry about a pay rise from Scottish Water of 3% over 15 months.
Mr Black predicted the strike could cause disruption for customers.
"For the 24 hours the strike is taking place, Scottish Water services are going to be affected," he said.
"There won't be responses to individual incidents such as burst pipes."
He added if there was a "significant public health risk", union members would be asked to respond.
He added: "I hope Scottish Water customers understand clearly why we need to take this action."
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer service delivery director, said: "We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers.
"I am confident we can continue to deliver this."
Director of communications Chris Wallace added: "We are deeply disappointed; this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water.
"We have been in continuous dialogue with unions for a considerable time regarding this year's pay award.
"We are aware of the demands on everyone's pay in today's tough economic climate, but we believe we have given the best possible deal under the circumstances."
He added it was the only pay deal Scottish Water could give "under public sector guidelines".
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Water workers warn of more action
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Water workers warn of more action:
Page last updated at 14:57 GMT, Thursday, 27 November 2008
A 24-hour walkout by hundreds of Scottish Water employees could be followed up with further action.
A Unite spokesman said unions involved were open to fresh talks on pay, but he said more stoppages were possible.
The unions involved are Unison - which said more than 1,000 staff were taking action - Unite and the GMB. Thursday's action is to end midday on Friday.
Director of communications Chris Wallace added: "We are deeply disappointed; this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water."
Page last updated at 14:57 GMT, Thursday, 27 November 2008
A 24-hour walkout by hundreds of Scottish Water employees could be followed up with further action.
A Unite spokesman said unions involved were open to fresh talks on pay, but he said more stoppages were possible.
Scottish Water said the action involved 802 union members and it had contingency plans to maintain services.
The unions involved are Unison - which said more than 1,000 staff were taking action - Unite and the GMB. Thursday's action is to end midday on Friday.
The Unite spokesman said: "If Scottish Water want to talk then we are up for that.
"Union members are really disappointed by the actions of Scottish Water for imposing what is a pay cut whilst still undertaking negotiations."
It is the latest in a series of separate pay disputes affecting thousands of public service workers in Scotland, including local authority employees and coastguards.
Scottish Water said the pay award it had made was within public sector guidelines.
It was paid in the September salaries of the company's 3,685 employees and was backdated to April. The award equates to 3% over 15 months.
'Pay cuts'
But Unison said Scottish Water could afford more.
Dave Watson, the union's Scottish organiser, said: "In recent years our members have helped to save Scottish Water over £1bn through reduced operating costs and improved efficiencies.
"Customers and directors have benefited, while workers have faced real terms pay cuts due to inflation."
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer service delivery director, was confident usual services could be maintained during the action, which will finish at midday on Friday.
He said: "We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers."
Director of communications Chris Wallace added: "We are deeply disappointed; this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water."
Dundee: UNISON pickets active at Scottish Water sites
UNISON Scottish Water Branch Secretary Steve Scott reports that pickets were active on both Scottish Waters sites in Dundee - at Riverside Drive (from 12 - 2pm) and Bullion House (12 - 2.30pm).
A flurry of members were leaving work at 12 noon. Lorries delivering chemical supplies for the labs turned away rather than cross the picket line. Good to see solidarity in action.
Steve was interviewed by the Herald and reiterated UNISON's position: Scottish Water and the Scottish Government should come back to the negotiating table and bring forward a fair settlement for Scottish Water workers.
Picket cover at the two sites will be active from 8am tomorrow.
A flurry of members were leaving work at 12 noon. Lorries delivering chemical supplies for the labs turned away rather than cross the picket line. Good to see solidarity in action.
Steve was interviewed by the Herald and reiterated UNISON's position: Scottish Water and the Scottish Government should come back to the negotiating table and bring forward a fair settlement for Scottish Water workers.
Picket cover at the two sites will be active from 8am tomorrow.
Aberdeen: Scottish Water picketed from noon
UNISON Scotland Local Organiser Jane Fielding reports that the Aberdeen picket line at Kingshill House was on from 12 noon - 2pm. The pickets included Scottish Water Branch Chair Dave Wilkinson and Regional Organiser Sarah Duncan.
The vast majority of UNISON members in Scottish Water Aberdeen left work at 12 noon to join the strike. STV Aberdeen did an interview with Dave Wilkinson (which will hopefully be shown tonight) and the TV cameras were also going to the Shipping Water Office which is being covered by the GMB.
The Scottish Water unions in the North East are working together in the fight for fair pay.
The picket line will be back on again tomorrow (Friday 28 November) from 9am.
The vast majority of UNISON members in Scottish Water Aberdeen left work at 12 noon to join the strike. STV Aberdeen did an interview with Dave Wilkinson (which will hopefully be shown tonight) and the TV cameras were also going to the Shipping Water Office which is being covered by the GMB.
The Scottish Water unions in the North East are working together in the fight for fair pay.
The picket line will be back on again tomorrow (Friday 28 November) from 9am.
View from Dumfries: Scottish Water strike action seems to be biting
Some pics from the Scottish water dispute as it is happening down in Dumfries.
UNISON Scotland Regional Officer Joe Lynch reports effective action in the South.
"The other depots across the region are being picketed throughout the day and the action seems to be biting. Management have brought in Border Utilities to carry out essential maintenance. Not going down well with
the pickets or members but shows that SW are worried.
"Indications are that there will be an even better turnout tomorrow morning."
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Scottish Water staff go on strike
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Scottish Water staff go on strike
The firm said the action involved 802 union members and it had contingency plans in place to maintain services.
The unions involved are Unison - which said more than 1,000 staff were taking action - Unite and the GMB.
It is the latest in a series of separate pay disputes affecting thousands of workers in Scotland, including bus drivers and coastguards.
Scottish Water said the pay award it had made was within public sector guidelines. It was paid in the September salaries of the company's 3,685 employees and was backdated to April. The award equates to 3% over 15 months.
'Pay cuts'
But Unison said Scottish Water could afford more.
Dave Watson, the union's Scottish organiser, said: "In recent years our members have helped to save Scottish Water over £1bn through reduced operating costs and improved efficiencies.
"Customers and directors have benefited, while workers have faced real terms pay cuts due to inflation."
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer service delivery director, was confident usual services could be maintained during the action, which will finish at midday on Friday.
He said: "We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers."
Director of communications Chris Wallace added: "We are deeply disappointed; this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water."
Page last updated at 13:09 GMT, Thursday, 27 November 2008
Hundreds of employees at Scottish Water have started a 24-hour strike over wages.
The firm said the action involved 802 union members and it had contingency plans in place to maintain services.
The unions involved are Unison - which said more than 1,000 staff were taking action - Unite and the GMB.
It is the latest in a series of separate pay disputes affecting thousands of workers in Scotland, including bus drivers and coastguards.
Scottish Water said the pay award it had made was within public sector guidelines. It was paid in the September salaries of the company's 3,685 employees and was backdated to April. The award equates to 3% over 15 months.
'Pay cuts'
But Unison said Scottish Water could afford more.
Dave Watson, the union's Scottish organiser, said: "In recent years our members have helped to save Scottish Water over £1bn through reduced operating costs and improved efficiencies.
"Customers and directors have benefited, while workers have faced real terms pay cuts due to inflation."
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer service delivery director, was confident usual services could be maintained during the action, which will finish at midday on Friday.
He said: "We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers."
Director of communications Chris Wallace added: "We are deeply disappointed; this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water."
Glasgow Evening Times: Pay-row water staff to walk out
Glasgow Evening Times: Pay-row water staff to walk out
By Gordon Thomson
AROUND 2000 Scottish Water staff were expected to walk out on strike today in protest at a below inflation pay rise.
Strikers included engineers who repair water bursts and staff responsible for water quality at a network of 44 treatment plants in and around Glasgow.
More industrial action was expected to be taken by members of Unison, GMB and Unite if the utility giant fails to return to the negotiating table to resolve the dispute.
Scottish Water which employs almost 3700 workers has imposed a wage rise worth 3% over 15 months.
Strike leaders say it's the equivalent of an annual rise of just 2.4%.
They are demanding a bigger increase and point to hefty pay hikes of up to 40% executive board members have awarded themselves in the past two years.
Unison official Dave Watson said: "In recent years our members workers have helped to save Scottish Water over £1billion through reduced operating costs and improved efficiencies.
"Customers and directors have benefited, while workers have faced real terms pay cuts due to inflation.
"Scottish Water has the money to make a reasonable pay deal - the problem is the Scottish Government is blocking them from doing so."
Union negotiator Dougie Black said: "I would invite Scottish Water and the Scottish Government, even at this late stage, to come back to the negotiating table.
"We are always ready to talk about a way to settle this dispute."
Unite has not commented but GMB negotiator Richard Leonard has likened Scottish Water to a "Victorian Mill owner", adding: "We are looking for public support.
"This dispute is about looking after people who look after our environment, our public health and our natural resources."
Scottish Water claims the pay rise meets public sector wage constraints and insisted the 24-hour strike due to begin at noon would have little or no effect.
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