Scunthorpe scaffolders fight for fair pay

Striking scaffolders working on the British Steel site in Scunthorpe will hold a march on Monday (October 11) as part of their campaign for fair pay.

The scaffolders are employed by Actavo and have been fighting to secure the recognised rate for the job since 2019.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Scaffolders at Scunthorpe are determined to defend their national industrial agreements and they have the full support of their union in this fight for fairness.

“Where employers like Actavo undermine workers’ pay rates and refuse to pay the recognised rate for the job, they will face determined opposition from Unite,” she added.

Workers at British Steel and members of the local community are being encouraged to join the march in support of the striking scaffolders.

The 60-plus scaffolders who are members of Unite, the UK’s construction union, began continuous action all out strike action on Monday, October 4.

Since the strike began Actavo has refused to enter into further negotiations to seek a resolution of the dispute.

Unite regional officer Richard Bedford said, “The march on Monday will demonstrate the commitment and unity of the scaffolders who are determined to secure the correct rate of pay for the job.

“The strike is already causing considerable disruption on the British Steel site, In order to resolve the strike then Actavo needs to return to the negotiating table and agree the correct rate of pay for our members,” he added.

The march will take place from 7am on Monday (October 11) at the British Steel Glasshouse office block DN16 1TS.

The dispute began in 2019 when the workers first attempted to get their pay rates paid in line with the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI). By being paid in line with the NAECI agreement the scaffolders would see a 10-15 per cent pay rise.

Significant strike action occurred earlier this year when the workers were employed by the previous contractor Brand Energy. Since taking over the contract, Actavo has failed to resolve the pay issue.

The scaffolders maintain over 500 scaffolding structures at the British Steel site.

By Barckley Sumner