Scunthorpe scaffolders to strike

Scaffolders employed by contractor Actavo (UK) Limited and working on the British Steel site in Scunthorpe, have announced all out strike action in a long running dispute over pay.

The 60 plus scaffolders, who are members of Unite, the UK’s construction union, will begin strike action on Monday, October 4.

The dispute, which began in 2019, is a result of the workers seeking to be paid in line with the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI). The rates for the workforce are currently between 10-15 per cent (depending on specific roles) below these rates.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Employers cannot be allowed to undermine national industrial agreements in an attempt to create a race to the bottom on pay for construction workers.

“Unite will be fully supporting our members to ensure that they are paid the correct rate for the job, this is an integral part of the union’s commitment to advance the jobs, pay and conditions of its members,” she added.

The workers will be picketing gates A, D and G from 05:30 – 09:30 every day until the dispute is resolved.

The scaffolders undertook significant strike action as part of this dispute earlier this year, when the contract was held by Brand Energy.

The contract to maintain over 500 scaffolding structures at the British Steel site, was then TUPED over to new contractor Actavo. Despite long running negotiations the company has refused to agree to pay NAECI pay rates.

Unite regional officer John McIntyre said, “Unite members employed as scaffolders at the British Steel site have been fighting to get paid the correct rate for their job for two years.

“The strike action will cause considerable disruption at British Steel but our members believe they have no option but to take strike action,” he added.

“Even at this late stage this dispute could be resolved by Actavo returning to the negotiating table and agree to pay the correct rate for the job.”

Barckley Sumner