Sheet metal workers and platers employed by Darchem Engineering on the Hinckley Point contract have secured a major increase in pay rates following strike action.

Two strikes

The workers, members of Unite the union, took two periods of 48 hour strike action earlier this month. The strikes were in response to the company’s decision to increase pay rates for welders but not for other trades on the £200 million contract to manufacture industrial pond liners for the nuclear power station at Hinkley Point.

Following the second period of strike action last week, the company has agreed to pay the workers a £1.25 per hour increase from this week. This equates to an extra £50 per week for a 40 hour working week, worth 8.5 per cent on the basic rate of pay.

Darchem Engineering has also agreed to pay the workers two bonuses: Firstly £930 next month and then £1,000 in September.

Members in unity

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This deal was secured because our members stood in unity to ensure they received a fair pay increase. This is how Unite responds to the cost of living crisis, by putting more money into members’ pockets.

“Unite is dedicated to improving the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and it will always give its complete support to any workplace where workers are prepared to stand up to management and fight for a fair deal.”

Reps dedication

Unite regional officer Fazia Hussain-Brown said: “This was a complex dispute and full credit must be given to our local reps without whose dedication such a successful outcome would not have been possible.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Hinkley Point facing delivery delays as engineering workers strike in pay dispute

For more information please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 020 3371 2067 or 07802 329235.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.