Scottish Water workers are expected to begin a 24-hour strike over pay at noon today.

It is not known how many of the 802 workers who voted for strike action will stop work, but the company said contingency plans are in place and customers are unlikely to be affected.

The strike follows pay negotiations that ended in September when the company implemented a 3% award over 15 months for all 3685 employees backdated to April.

Customer service director Peter Farrer said, “We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers—I am confident we can continue to deliver this.”

Director of communications Chris Wallace said, “We are deeply disappointed, this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water.

“We have been in continuous dialogue with unions for a considerable time regarding this year’s pay award.

“We are aware of the demands on everyone’s pay in today’s tough economic climate, but we believe that we have given the best possible deal under the circumstances—this is the only pay award that we could give under public sector guidelines.

“Our immediate focus right now is about maintaining a normal service and minimising any potential effect on customers of this action.

“After that, obviously we would want dialogue to ensure that our business moves forward and continues to deliver benefits to our customers.”

He added, “We are confident we will be able to maintain a normal service, we are confident people will not notice any difference—we will make sure that any disruption is minimised.”