Inverness based Bear Scotland road workers have secured a new pay deal following negotiations led by Unite, delivering a wage increase for those maintaining key routes across the Highlands.

Around 20 workers will receive a 5.5 per cent pay rise alongside a similar increase in standby payments, marking another step forward after last year’s union recognition agreement.

The deal strengthens Unite’s growing presence within Bear Scotland, building on progress made in securing improved terms and formal recognition for workers in the region.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“Unite’s members working for Bear Scotland based in Inverness have a secured good pay deal.

“This builds on the success of last year’s recognition agreement and it demonstrates how Unite delivers better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Unite industrial officer Marc Jackson said:

“Unite secured inflation beating improvements to basic pay and allowances for the Bear Scotland road workers in a deal which was overwhelmingly backed by our members.

“The pay deal builds on the recent successes we have achieved for the Bear Scotland workers across the Highlands.“

The agreement reflects continued pressure from organised labour to improve pay and conditions for workers maintaining vital infrastructure across the Highlands.

The outcome also signals a steady shift in bargaining strength, with workers seeing tangible gains through collective negotiation.

Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland managing director said:

“BEAR Scotland is proud to be a Real Living Wage organisation.

“The pay awards we have delivered to our work force across the country, not just in Inverness, shows our commitment to reflecting the increase in the Real Living Wage.

“This boost will have a significant impact on our core teams on the front line looking after strategic trunk roads across Scotland.”