Cornwall concrete shortage looming as HGV drivers strike for union recognition 

Maen Karne drivers at Hayle and Penryn to fight union-busting 

HGV concrete mixer drivers employed by Maen Karne are to strike over the company’s refusal to recognise their union. 

The drivers, who are represented by Unite, the UK’s leading union, deliver fresh concrete across Cornwall. The strikes will cause severe to disruption to the construction projects of Maen Karne’s customers. 

The workers requested a voluntary recognition agreement from Maen Karne on behalf of Unite to allow for collective bargaining over pay and conditions, which was rejected. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite cannot accept union busting. Our members’ jobs, pay and conditions are this union’s top priority and by refusing to enter a recognition agreement Maen Karne is clearly intent on blocking collective bargaining. Maen Karne’s workers will receive Unite’s total support during these strikes.”

The concrete mixer drivers will strike on 30 and 31 May and 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 June. If the dispute is not resolved, more industrial action will be scheduled. 

Unite regional officer Dave Smith said: “These strikes will cause severe disruption to Maen Karne’s clients. But the dispute is entirely of the company’s own making. Its workers have asked that the company recognise their union for collective bargaining purposes and that is what needs to happen.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215.

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Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.