Lighthouse staff in Scotland take ‘historic and first in a era’ strike motion over pay

Lighthouse staff who assist guarantee vessels move safely by means of Scottish waters are downing instruments for the primary time in a dispute over pay.

Around 40 Unite members employed by Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) will stroll out at 12pm on Monday for twenty-four hours.

The staff – together with in a position seamen, base assistants, cooks and technicians – preserve and function Scotland’s lighthouses, beacons and buoys at sea.

Unite branded the strike motion “historic and the first in a generation”.

The union is blaming the UK authorities, which funds the NLB, claiming it’s not offering the additional funding required to enhance the two% pay rise provide.

Sharon Graham, common secretary, mentioned: “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.

“With power prices, inflation and rates of interest climbing to heights not seen for many years, a 2% provide simply does not minimize 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.”

Read extra:
Public sector pay rise doubt as Treasury minister stresses inflation influence
Junior medical doctors to strike ‘in longest single walkout in NHS historical past’

The NLB maintains 208 lighthouses throughout Scotland and the Isle of Man.

The union mentioned two NLB vessels – NLV Pharos and NLV Pole Star – will probably be docked at Oban with picket strains in place on 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 authorities to use strain on UK ministers.

She mentioned: “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 essentially all the way down to the UK authorities, who finance the NLB, not offering the additional funds required to make a greater provide 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 waters.”

A UK authorities spokesperson mentioned: “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.”