Tuesday 12 September 2017

Unions to ballot for industrial action over energy firm’s pay freeze

More than 90% of union members working at ScottishPower Generation have voted in favour of moving to a ballot for industrial action over the energy firm’s pay freeze.

Prospect union said its members as well as Unite members rejected a pay offer that proposes a one-off payment and a pay freeze.

The union added it will seek a meeting with ScottishPower Generation for further engagement this week to discuss the outcome of the ballot.

Ian Perth, Prospect negotiator said: “Our members are outraged that a profitable business is essentially proposing a real-terms pay cut. We are seeking to meet urgently with senior management but unless there is movement, it is clear that our members are not prepared to accept one-off payments instead of a wage rise.

“This will be the third year running that staff in the generation division of ScottishPower, who are employed across the UK, will have been expected to take 0% pay increases and their message is clear: enough is enough.”

A ScottishPower spokesperson said: "We are currently engaged in active talks with the unions to reach a positive outcome for all involved."