Construction workers' pay - reject the deal!

Following widespread unofficial strike actions earlier this year, engineering construction workers in the Unite and GMB trade unions at seven major industrial sites have been balloted over the review of national (NAECI) terms and conditions for 2010.

It is reported that they voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action against the employers' refusal to offer any pay-rise. However, trade union officials are expected to recommend acceptance of a revised offer to the NAECI shop stewards meeting that takes place in Manchester on 17 September.

Whilst details of this offer have not been released, it is widely believed to be a two-year deal of 2% in 2010 followed by an inflation-linked rise in 2011 with a minimum of 1%. The threat of official strike action has forced the employers to drop their original plans to attack conditions like the tea-break, and make concessions on the audit process, transparency and a skills register which could all increase job security. However there is a lack of detail and workers at Lindsey Oil Refinery in June saw how the bosses will renege on deals.

With major construction projects coming up and a big yes vote in the official ballot, NAECI workers are in powerful position to win further improvements in job security, pay and conditions, so the Socialist Party urges rejection of the deal and that the stewards forum make plans for national industrial action.

Alistair Tice