Significant wage increase for lowest paid of up to 15 per cent

Unite the union has confirmed that its Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) members have secured a significant pay rise.

 

Around 40 Unite members including able seamen, base assistants, cooks and technicians have accepted by 100 per cent a wage offer from the NLB on a 98 per cent turnout.

 

The pay offer applied to 2023/24 will see sliding scale wage increases with the lowest paid benefiting from the highest increases. The wage deal inclusive of marine and onshore staff ranges up to 15 per cent for the lowest paid. Marine based workers will receive a minimum uplift of £2,285.

 

There are a number of improvements to the wage deal including extra holiday entitlement and a consolidated overtime allowance which is being increased to 20 per cent of salaries. A further proposal to change the working week from 42 hours to 37 hours will also mean that overtime rates will apply after the lower hourly threshold.

 

The workers maintain and operate Scotland’s lighthouses, beacons and buoys at sea ensuring that vessels and ships have safe passage through Scottish waters.

 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s NLB members have emphatically backed a new pay deal negotiated by their union. It will see a number of improvements to pay and also working conditions for our members such as an increase in overtime allowances.

 

“Unite will continue to go the extra mile in support of our members’ jobs, pay and conditions.” 

 

Unite members at the NLB took previous rounds of 24-hour strike action in relation to last year’s pay dispute between 27-28 July, which followed a previous 24-hour stoppage over 26 to 27 June. 

 

The NLB’s mainland operations are based at its Edinburgh HQ, and in Oban where there are maintenance workshops and facilities for the construction of beacons and buoys. NLB technicians are also based in Inverness, Shetland and Orkney. The NLB’s has two vessels based in Oban: NLV Pharos and NLV Pole Star. 

 

Unite industrial officer, Alison MacLean, added: “The NLB workers provide a vital public service which helps keep mariners safe on their travels. The wage deal secured by Unite is a recognition of that invaluable work and it will make a difference amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.”

 

The NLB maintains 208 lighthouses across Scotland and the Isle of Man. The lighthouses are situated in some of the most remote and beautiful locations in Scotland, and have guided sea mariners for over two centuries.

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors:

 

The NLB is funded from Light Dues, a tax collected from the users of the body’s Aids to Navigation. An annual process takes place to agree a 5-year plan which is scrutinised and approved by both the UK Department for Transport and the Lights Advisory Committee - who represent those who pay Light Dues.