The water industry has been the topic of discussion at the GMB Union’s annual conference in Bournemouth this week, as union members call for both a new water industry regulator and for water boss bonuses to be capped in line with company performance.
Many members of the GMB believe privatisation of the water industry has caused chronic underinvestment and pollution of the nation’s waterways.
According to the GMB, their 10,000 water worker members regularly bear the brunt of public anger over the state of the UK water network, and feel that Ofwat isn’t doing enough.
Cliff Roney, Water worker and GMB Rep, told congress:
“Labour says it will give Ofwat more powers, we say no, get rid of Ofwat, start again.
“What is needed is a new regulatory body with the right kind of focus, one that doesn’t allow the continuation of greed-driven profiteering but ensures full and proper investment of the industry’s infrastructure, workforce and consumers.
“A body that enforces all water companies to ensure that our water industry is even better than it was before the tragedy of privatisation.”
