A SECOND union has announced its workers could go on strike at Scottish Water.
Trade union Unison said on Friday that more than 1000 Scottish Water workers have been issued with strike ballots over a pay dispute.
It comes after Unite announced on Monday that it was also balloting 500 workers over pay.
Scottish Water has offered employees 3.4% or £1400, whichever is the greater. The union said this does not compensate workers for a decade of pay cuts or “recognise their value”.
Tricia McArthur, Unison Scottish Water branch secretary, said: “No one wants to take strike action, but Scottish Water workers feel they've no choice.
“Staff are simply asking for a fair pay rise to keep up with inflation and restore some of the pay they've lost over the past 10 years.”
Meanwhile, Emma Phillips, Unison Scotland regional organiser, said: “Scottish Water directors have behaved appallingly. They are already on massive salaries, but don’t see fit to give hard-working staff a fair pay rise.”
“All workers at Scottish Water are vital to providing homes and businesses with clean, fresh water and dealing with sewage. They deserve fair pay.”
Unison is the largest trade union to represent workers at Scottish Water. The strike ballot opened this week and will close on February 17.
A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “As a responsible employer, we want to make sure our people are paid fairly. That’s why we’ve offered a 3.4% rise, significantly above inflation, with a guaranteed £1400 minimum increase. This means those in lower salary grades receive the highest percentage increase in Scottish Water.
“With previous improvements to pay and conditions, this offer means Scottish Water will be spending 17% more on employee salaries than two years ago. This is in addition to reducing our company work week to 35 hours.
“We agree with the joint trade unions that no one benefits from industrial action and have invited union representatives to resume discussions to resolve this issue amicably.”
