More than 1,500 Sellafield construction workers to ballot for strike action over pay dispute
More than 1,500 construction workers at Sellafield are to be balloted for strike action in a long-running dispute over pay.
Members of Unite employed by 36 contractors at the Sellafield nuclear site, in Cumbria, will vote in the coming weeks on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action.
Unite said the dispute is over demands for better work conditions, involving workers such as electricians, joiners, pipefitters, riggers, groundworkers, welders and painters.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Our members are highly skilled and operate in an extremely challenging and hazardous environment.
"Despite this, construction employers are refusing to pay an allowance for our members' skills and dedication."
Unite regional officer Ryan Armstrong added: "There is still time to avoid strike action but the employers must return to the table with a viable offer."
A Sellafield spokesperson said: 'We are aware of a dispute involving contractors working at Sellafield employed under the NAECI and CIJC Working Rule Agreements.
'The affected individuals are not employees of Sellafield Ltd and we are therefore not directly involved in this dispute.
'As always, the safety and security of the Sellafield site, our workforce, and the local community will be our priority during any industrial action.'
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More than 1,500 Sellafield construction workers to ballot for strike action over pay dispute
More than 1,500 construction workers at Sellafield are to be balloted for strike action in a long-running dispute over pay. Members of Unite employed by 36 contractors at the Sellafield nuclear site, in Cumbria, will vote in the coming weeks on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action. Unite said the dispute is over demands for better work conditions, involving workers such as electricians, joiners, pipefitters, riggers, groundworkers, welders and painters. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Our members are highly skilled and operate in an extremely challenging and hazardous environment. "Despite this, construction employers are refusing to pay an allowance for our members' skills and dedication." Unite regional officer Ryan Armstrong added: "There is still time to avoid strike action but the employers must return to the table with a viable offer." A Sellafield spokesperson said: 'We are aware of a dispute involving contractors working at Sellafield employed under the NAECI and CIJC Working Rule Agreements. 'The affected individuals are not employees of Sellafield Ltd and we are therefore not directly involved in this dispute. 'As always, the safety and security of the Sellafield site, our workforce, and the local community will be our priority during any industrial action.'
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