Lighthouse staff in Scotland take historic strike motion over pay
L
ighthouse staff guaranteeing vessels cross safely by means of Scottish waters will stroll out over a pay dispute for the primary time.
Around 40 folks employed by the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) will cease work at midday on Monday in the beginning of 24 hours of strike motion.
The Unite union, which represents the seafarers, base assistants, cooks and technicians, blamed the UK Government for the dispute, claiming the NLB has been compelled to supply a 2% pay improve whereas different public sector staff are provided considerably extra.
The staff keep and function Scotland’s lighthouses, beacons and buoys at sea.
Unite basic secretary Sharon Graham: “Unite’s NLB members have been left with no option but to take a stand. What’s on offer is a brutal real-terms pay cut.
The strike action by our NLB members is historic and the first in a generation
“With energy costs, inflation and interest rates climbing to heights not seen for decades, a 2% offer just doesn’t cut it.
“We will continue to push the boat out in defence of our members, and they will have our full support in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
The union has stated the NLB’s two vessels shall be docked at Oban, with picket traces in place across the Gallanach Road base till midday on Tuesday.
In April, staff backed industrial motion by 90.6% on a turnout of 86.5%.
Alison MacLean, the union’s industrial officer, urged the Scottish Government to use strain on UK ministers.
She stated: “The strike action by our NLB members is historic and the first in a generation. The reality is that talks with the NLB have run aground.
“This is largely down to the UK Government, who finance the NLB, not providing the extra finances required to make a better offer to our members.
“We are demanding that the Scottish Government intervene and apply pressure on the UK Government to resolve this dispute or it is in danger of remaining in troubled water.”
The NLB maintains 208 lighthouses throughout Scotland and the Isle of Man.
A UK Government spokesperson stated: “Public sector pay strikes a careful balance between recognising the vital importance of public sector workers, while delivering value for taxpayers and avoiding higher prices in the future.”