Building agreement

A construction firm working on a large building project in East London has become one of the latest firms to sign a recognition agreement with Unite at the Wood Wharf development near Canary Wharf.

Platt Reilly specialises in fitting facades, drylining and suspended ceilings and has worked on large projects across the UK and Ireland. Directors from the company signed the agreement at a meeting with Unite convenor Trevor Simpson and regional officer Vince McKoy.

The agreement covers up to 150 staff and contractors who work for the company.

Trevor said that, following an issue with cleaners that he was supporting he was in contact with one of the Directors of Platt Reilly and began discussing the benefits of staff being in the union. 

Trevor explained that “I have been negotiating with the firm for a year and I am very pleased that they have decided to recognise the benefits of working with Unite and sign the agreement.”

“Unite is there to do one thing and that is to protect the worker, and if a company is treating and paying staff properly there is nothing to fear from the union, and we can work together.”

Trevor already gives induction sessions to all new workers on the Wood Wharf project, from its many different employers, and they all take away a membership form – but signing the Unite recognition agreement with Platt Reilly has resulted in another possible recruitment opportunity for the union.

The company has said they will invite Vince McCoy regional officer for construction along to meetings of the Skills Academy, where he will be giving presentations to highlight the work that Unite is doing to make construction workplaces, safer workplaces – something that benefits everyone.

Justin Devaney from Platt Reilly UK Limited said, “I have been dealing with Trevor for over a year and his approach to protecting the people on site is second to none. I highly recommend touching base with Trevor and Vince as they are definitely leaders in their field when it comes to putting people their people first. 

“I’m a firm believer that “people do business with people” and Vince and Trevor from Unite the Union are the epitome of this philosophy.”

Trevor said that his experience of Platt Reilly has been very positive and hoped that more would follow their lead.

“Great to see some companies out there that are proactive in looking after their workers.”

Find out more about the work of Unite across the construction sector here.

By Keith Hatch