Union says strike action threatens A9 disruption

Unite said industrial action could cause disruption on the A9 as winter approaches

Road maintenance workers at Bear Scotland in Inverness have voted in favour of industrial action in a dispute over pay.

Members of the Unite union have rejected a pay offer which they say is "unacceptably low".

The union said strike action could potentially cause travel disruption on routes they worked on - including the A9 trunk road between Inverness and Perth this winter.

Bear Scotland described this year's pay increase as "fair and competitive" and said they were disappointed by the vote in favour of industrial action.

Unite said Bear Scotland's pay offer meant workers would still be getting paid less than those with other maintenance firms.

It said the company made a profit of £3.715m last year and could easily afford to pay its members a "decent rate".

Industrial officer Marc Jackson said: "This cash-rich company needs to get back round the negotiating table with an improved pay offer.

"If they don't heed this advice, then industrial action during the bad weather, when these workers are needed the most, will be inevitable and entirely Bear Scotland's fault."

'Constructive talks'

Bear Scotland said it was working closely with roadworkers in its Inverness office to resolve concerns.

A spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that a small number of colleagues in Inverness have voted in favour of pursuing industrial action.

"We believe that the pay increase implemented in April 2025 is fair and competitive.

"We recognise the valuable contribution our roadworkers make and we remain open to constructive discussions with the union to reach a resolution."

Bear Scotland is not a contractor on the A9 dualling project which it is hoped can be completed by 2035.