I have raised a motion in the Scottish Parliament and written to the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson MSP over the closure of Castle House, the headquarters of Scottish Water in Dunfermline, amid concerns that trade unions have been sidelined in the process.
I recently met with representatives of the trade union UNISON, one of three unions representing workers in Scottish Water, who claim the utility company breached their own procedures and the Scottish Government’s fair work guidelines when they did not engage workers in a consultation on the proposed closure.
Trade unions says the closure will affect more than 250 members of staff, with UNISON branch secretary Tricia McArthur stating Scottish Water bosses “can’t continue to behave like Victorian mill owners.”
Trade unions are calling for clarification over changes to contractual terms and conditions as a result of the closure of Castle House, stating many of their concerns amount to a dilution of their members’ terms and that Scottish Water are not willing to make proposed concessions contractually guaranteed such as two days homeworking per week.
My motion notes the trade unions representing workers at Scottish Water have jointly written a letter to CEO Douglas Millican demanding a review of the decision and calling for managers to adhere to recognition agreements they have signed with unions. My motion can be read below.
I am concerned about the reported closure of Castle House in Dunfermline and the potential impact that this may have on workers in Fife and the local economy.
While I am aware that the Scottish Government are fans of centralisation, this should not extend to the removal of key assets from Fife.
The issues raised from trade union representatives that they and their members have not been consulted on this closure, a breach of both Scottish Water procedures and the fair work guidelines set out by the Scottish Government, are also very concerning.
Recently, we have heard about companies such as British Gas and P&O engaging in despicable fire-and-rehire practices with no regard for the law, their employees or the trade unions which have the legal right to represent their members and be heard when company decisions impact workers.
So, it should concern everyone when another example of a company trying to circumvent trade union engagement and fair work practices comes to light, particularly one accountable to the public through the Scottish Government.
It is crucial that Scottish Water employees and their trade union representatives are heard in this process, that their questions are answered and that their concerns are responded to – it is not acceptable to unilaterally change contractual terms and conditions without engagement and agreement.
The Scottish Government must act to ensure Scottish Water is fulfilling their legal obligations to their employees and that no Scottish Water worker is worse off due to changes outwith their control.
This is why I have raised a motion in the Scottish Parliament and written to the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Scottish Water, Michael Matheson MSP.
| Motion: Scottish Water Confirms Closure of Dunfermline Headquarters That the Parliament is concerned by the news that Scottish Water plans to close their headquarters currently based in Scotland’s newest city, Dunfermline; understands that the decision to close the Castle House office has been criticised by trade unions who claim Scottish Water has treated the workforce with contempt and breached their own procedures and the Scottish Government’s fair work guidelines; recognises that the decision will impact more than 250 members of staff and that trade unions have written a joint letter to the company’s chief executive demanding that the decision be reviewed and asking that managers adhere to the recognition agreements they have signed with unions; is concerned by the reports that Scottish Water decided to close the premises without consulting or negotiating with staff; and further notes the concerns raised by staff around additional travel time, the increase in pollution this will cause, the added stress from travelling plus concerns around mileage costs for travelling. |
