Power station construction workers vote to strike

The workers, who operate under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI), rejected a two-year pay offer of 10 per cent for 2024 and five per cent for 2025. 

Those voting to strike are understood to be based at ExxonMobil’s Mossmorran plant, Altrad engineering’s Torness power plant, GSK‘s Montrose site and Wilton International‘s Redcar plant. 

During Covid, a pay freeze was imposed on the workers even though they provided essential repair and maintenance throughout.  

In January 2022, they received a two-year pay deal of 2.5 per cent for 2022 and the same percentage increase for 2023 while inflation was soaring. 

The strikes will be conducted in conjunction with other NAECI workers operating at oil refineries, power stations and pharmaceutical and petrochemical plants across the country, said Unite. 

“NAECI workers have seen their pay fall further and further behind in real terms as a result of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.  

“Meanwhile, most NAECI employers have benefited from huge profits generated from rocketing energy and fuel prices.  

NAECI contractors and clients, including Altrad, GSK, Wilton and ExxonMobile, can fully afford to put forward a better offer. This is what must happen.” 

Unite national officer Jason Poulter added: “There is a limited window of opportunity for NAECI contractors and clients to avoid widespread industrial unrest.  

“They have the money to ensure that our members’ rates are restored to their previous value.  

“Their latest offer was inadequate and was overwhelmingly rejected by our members.  

“They need to get back into negotiations and work with us to find an acceptable offer.” 

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