UNISON members working for Scottish power have agreed a three-year pay deal, described by regional organiser Gerry Crawley as “a major breakthrough in the private sector and in particular in utilities”.
The pay deal, which covers a new job evaluation and grading scheme, gives a 4% rise this year, backdated to 1 January, followed by 3% in 2013 and 3% in 2014.
The deal covers workers in Scottish Power’s energy networks and connections businesses who work in Scotland, England and Wales. Most of them are UNISON members, but the jointly negotiated deal includes GMB, Unite and Prospect.
“Our hard working members have recently had to endure an imposed pay freeze,” added Mr Crawley. “They worked throughout that period without any rise and continued to deliver a professional service.
“Now they are getting a guaranteed pay rise for the next three years and that will be welcome news for them and their families in this time of economic austerity and rising prices.”
UNISON Scotland secretary Mike Kirby added: “This is excellent news for UNISON members in Scottish Power and for the members of the other three unions as well.
“An above-inflation increase for union members in Scottish Power in year one demonstrates yet again the benefits of being in a trade union – it was experienced trade union negotiators who secured this 10% three-year deal.
“The Westminster coalition government would rather see no pay rises – but UNISON and the other TUC affiliated trade unions, north and south of the border, will continue to negotiate and fight for decent pay for all of their members.”