By Strike action continues at British Steel
Scaffolders working at the British Steel plant in Scunthorpe staged a 48 hour strike yesterday following an ongoing dispute over pay.
Over 50 Unite Union members employed by contractor Brand Energy to maintain structures on the British Steel site have already staged five days of strike action.
Unite regional officer John McIntyre said:
“Unite has received warm words from Brand Energy that they want to resolve the dispute but not received any firm proposals.
“As a result Unite has no option but to step up industrial action, which will certainly cause further disruption to British Steel.
“We remain committed to entering into negotiations with Brand Energy and its client British Steel, in order to secure an agreement acceptable to all sides.”
Workers are expected to stage a further five days of strike action including 24-hour hours strike on February 18, a further 48 hour strike beginning on February 22 and finally a 24 hour strike from 05:30 on Thursday 25 February.
The dispute began two years ago when Unite submitted a claim that workers should be paid in line with the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry.
There is a difference of £2.00 an hour between this and what the workers currently receive.
Brand Energy has refused to engage with Unite on the pay issue.
But in light of the ongoing strike action, it has indicated that it is keen to seek a resolution.
Thus far, no date has been given for negotiations.
“The ball is now firmly in Brand Energy’s court,” added John McIntyre.
.@unitetheunion members at Brand Energy at #Scunthorpe Steelworks will be taking part in further strike action from tomorrow morning. These skilled workers deserve to be paid the nationally agreed rate for the job. @UniteNEYH stands with our members at Brand Energy pic.twitter.com/tunjMAFGYV
— Karen Reay (@KarenReayUnite) February 14, 2021
