TRADE unions have launched a workplace ballot at Scottish Water over a £3,000 loss of pay which could lead to industrial action. 

Unite, GMB and Unison have jointly informed Scottish Water over a consultative ballot which opened today. 

The unions are demanding a return to negotiations amid a pay and bonuses row which could mean Scottish Water workers losing up to £3,000.  

Workers claim to have already lost significant sums through the removal of a supplement payment which averages overtime hours worked over a year. 

A further system reducing the payment means workers will now not be paid for working any additional hours.

Unite industrial officer James O’Connell said bosses must reimburse staff and “enter into meaningful negotiations with us before this dispute escalates to inevitable industrial action.”

GMB organiser Gary Cook added: “It’s shameful opportunism in the grip of a public health crisis and shows how poorly Scottish Water values its workers.”