UNITE the union has confirmed that Inverness-based Bear Scotland maintenance workers who deliver services for major roads have secured union recognition and a wage win.
Unite revealed it secured a negotiated trade union recognition agreement with Bear Scotland in a ‘historic first’ for the workers alongside delivering pay increases up to 7.25% and improvements to standby payments.
The union added that it managed to accelerate the pay grade timeframes for workers, meaning they will now reach higher pay levels over shorter periods of time.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Unite’s members working for Bear Scotland based in Inverness took a brave stand against their company by being prepared to take strike action if necessary. It has ultimately delivered not only a good pay deal but union recognition with Bear Scotland. It’s a great example of Unite backing our members all the way to achieve better jobs, pay and conditions.”
Unite industrial officer Marc Jackson added, “Unite is delighted to have successfully negotiated an improved wage offer from Bear Scotland which was overwhelmingly backed by our members. The pay negotiations also lead to the company voluntarily agreeing to a trade union recognition agreement with Unite which will provide our members with a route to securing better pay, working hours, and holidays in the future.”
A BEAR Scotland spokesperson said, “We are pleased that the small number of colleagues in our Inverness depot who raised concerns have accepted our proposal and that there will be no industrial action. As we previously stated, we believe that the pay increase implemented in April 2025 is fair and competitive and this has been agreed with the union, in addition to the ongoing further refinements of benefits.
“We continually review our pay and benefits package to ensure our employees are recognised for the valuable contribution they make. We look forward to working constructively with the union and our internal Joint Consultative Committee, which represents all of our employees, going forward.”
