Road maintenance workers in Inverness have voted to strike against Bear Scotland in a heated pay battle that could snarl traffic on the vital A9 trunk road. The action, backed by the Unite union, stems from rejected offers seen as too low amid the firms recent profits, raising fears of winter chaos on this key route between Inverness and Perth.
Roots of the Pay Clash
Workers at Bear Scotland handle critical upkeep on Scotlands trunk roads, including the busy A9 that links the Highlands to the central belt. On September 19, 2025, dozens of these employees in Inverness overwhelmingly supported industrial action after talks broke down over wages.
The dispute highlights growing tensions in the road sector, where staff feel undervalued despite their role in keeping arteries open during harsh weather. Unite argues that Bear Scotlands stance ignores the companys strong financial health, pushing workers toward strikes just as autumn storms brew.
This ballot comes at a tense time for Scottish infrastructure, with ongoing projects demanding reliable maintenance. Similar labor issues have popped up elsewhere in transport, like recent airport deals, but here the stakes involve public safety on remote stretches.
Breaking Down the Rejected Offer
Bear Scotland proposed raises in April 2025 that Unite members quickly dismissed as inadequate. The lowest pay band would climb from 12 pounds per hour to 12.75 pounds, barely above the national minimum of 12.21 pounds.
Higher grades faced even slimmer gains, with most seeing just a one pound bump, topping out at 14.25 pounds for senior roles. Union reps point out that rivals pay up to 16 pounds per hour for comparable work, leaving Bear staff up to four pounds behind.
To illustrate the gap, consider this comparison of hourly rates across similar firms:
| Pay Grade | Bear Scotland Offer | Competitor Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | 12.75 pounds | 14.50 pounds | -1.75 pounds |
| Mid Level | 13.75 pounds | 15.00 pounds | -1.25 pounds |
| Senior Level | 14.25 pounds | 16.00 pounds | -1.75 pounds |
These figures underscore why workers feel shortchanged, especially with rising living costs in the Highlands.
Risks to A9 Travelers This Winter
The A9 stands as a lifeline for commuters, tourists, and freight, winding through scenic but treacherous terrain from Perth to Inverness. Strikes could halt gritting, pothole fixes, and barrier repairs, amplifying dangers as snow and ice hit in coming months.
Unite warns of inevitable disruptions if no deal emerges, blaming the company for forcing action when crews are most needed. Imagine delays for holiday travelers or lorries stuck in bad weather, echoing past winter pileups that cost lives and millions.
Key potential impacts include:
- Delayed emergency responses on icy roads.
- Unrepaired hazards leading to accidents.
- Broader knockons to the 3.7 billion pound dualling project, set for completion by 2035.
This upgrade aims to dual the entire route, slashing journey times and boosting safety, but maintenance lapses could derail progress.
Bear Scotlands Stance and Path Forward
The firm, a joint venture of Breedon, Vinci Construction, and Jacobs, maintains about 60 percent of Scotlands trunk network and reported 3.715 million pounds in profit for 2024.1
They dispute some union claims on top wages, noting trained staff earn more than stated. Bear clarifies it handles maintenance, not construction on the A9 dualling, though any downtime could indirectly slow that massive effort.
As negotiations loom, both sides eye a resolution to avoid escalation. Recent pacts in other sectors, like Edinburgh Airports averted strikes, show deals are possible with goodwill.
Wider Implications for Scottish Roads
This row fits into a pattern of labor unrest in essential services, where profits clash with worker demands amid economic pressures. The A9s role in tourism and trade makes it a flashpoint, with dualling works already disrupting sections like Tomatin to Moy until 2028.
Experts note that fair pay could stem turnover and ensure quality work, vital for a network prone to floods and freezes. Travelers should monitor updates, as even short strikes might trigger alerts from Transport Scotland.
In the end, resolving this swiftly benefits everyone from drivers to the economy. Share your thoughts on this pay fight in the comments below, and spread the word to keep others informed on potential A9 headaches.
