Crane drivers strike

Tower cranes across the UK could grind to a halt this winter as crane operators take strike action over pay and conditions.

The strikes by workers from Wolffkran, one of the world’s largest rental companies of tower cranes, could see construction work at the UK building sites stop on days starting this January, and continuing until a resolution is negotiated.

Nearly 100 tower crane operators at Wolffkran are taking strike action after not receiving a pay rise in three years. Unite members at Wolffkran are furious that the company is now also seeking to cut some of their additional benefits including standby payments.

Tower cranes are vitally important on major building projects, and some of the biggest construction sites in the UK, including the Grenfell Tower deconstruction, the Cambridge Science Park and the new headquarters for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts in Berkshire, will see work halted when the Wolffkran crane operators walk out later this month.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is completely unacceptable that highly skilled and vital construction workers have not seen their pay increase in three years. To add insult to injury Wolffkran is now attacking workers’ conditions.

“Unite is the UK’s principal construction union and we will be backing our members one hundred per cent in their dispute. They deserve a fair day’s pay.”

Tower crane operators will be taking the first day of strike action on Tuesday 27 January and will then take strike action every fortnight from then on. Exact days will be determined by members at each site based on what will cause the most disruption.

Unite regional officer Vince McCoy added: “These workers are doing a difficult, dangerous and highly stressful role.

“Without a pay rise for over three years and facing the threat of worse terms they have reached the end of their patience and are now taking strike action.

We urge Wolffkran to come back with a much improved offer.”

Unite represents workers in all areas of construction, and you can find out more at the Unite Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians website.

By Keith Hatch