Bear Scotland Workers Secure Pay Rise and Union Recognition After Dispute

Employees at Bear Scotland responsible for maintaining key trunk roads, including the A9, have achieved union recognition and a pay increase of up to 7.25% following a dispute over pay and working conditions.

Unite the Union confirmed on 27 October that its members based in Inverness had voted in favour of industrial action before the company reached a deal offering voluntary union recognition.

The new agreement brings the pay dispute to an end and includes accelerated pay grade progression and improved standby payments for staff.

The dispute involved workers maintaining the A9 between Perth and Inverness, part of the Scottish Government’s £3.7 billion A9 Dualling Programme, which aims to convert 129 kilometres of single carriageway into dual carriagewayby 2035.

Bear Scotland is jointly owned by engineering consultancy Jacobs, construction firm Vinci, and building materials company Breedon. The organisation manages trunk road maintenance across north-west, north-east, and south-east Scotland under regional contracts awarded by Transport Scotland.

Sharon Graham, Unite’s General Secretary, praised the determination of members who were ready to strike if necessary.

“Bear Scotland staff were prepared to take strike action if necessary,” she said. “Their determination has delivered both union recognition and a significantly improved pay offer.”

Marc Jackson, Unite Industrial Officer, said the agreement establishes a stronger foundation for future negotiations.

“This deal provides staff with a route to achieving better pay, working hours, and holidays in the future,” he said.