HUNDREDS of workers in Edinburgh and Gourock are celebrating inflation-busting pay rises won by the Unite union.

The union achieved recognition at components manufacturer James Walker Devol in Gourock just two years ago, leading to workers’ wages increasing by 12.5 per cent last year, followed by a 4.25 per cent rise and a one-off £100 payment this year.

“Less than two years ago, Unite couldn’t even formally bargain on jobs, pay and conditions at James Walker Devol,” Unite industrial officer Pat McIlvogue said today.

“Now we have negotiated good back-to-back pay packages. The deal was overwhelmingly backed by the workers.”

In the east, meanwhile, Unite Scottish deputy secretary Mary Alexander welcomed a 6.8 per cent wage rise for around 275 workers at Edinburgh airport.

She said: “Unite has secured another significant pay deal for our members.

“Hundreds of workers will now benefit from a string of better terms and conditions to their contracts, including shift pay [and] access to the sick pay scheme, along with a commitment to review the working rotas.”

Applauding the deals, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite does what it says on the tin: we deliver better jobs, pay and conditions.”