GMB, the union for construction workers, is in talks today 17th October on a new agreement to cover the construction of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.

Phil Whitehurst, GMB National Officer for Construction, said “Negotiations on the new Engineering Construction agreement to cover the construction of Hinkley Point C are near conclusion.

Even though the Government has been deadlocked with EDF over the "strike price", GMB along with other unions have been sensibly negotiating with EDF a "Best in Class" working agreements for the construction of Hinkley Point C. If the "Best in Class" for engineering construction is agreed in principle tomorrow then GMB and Unite will submit the finalised agreement to their Engineering Construction sector shop stewards for acceptance with the membership. The "Best in Class" civil construction agreement is already agreed and signed off.

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GMB said: "These agreements are ground breaking not only in the increased levels of pay compared to other agreements, but the social covenant agreed for the working relationship between the trade unions, the client, and their sub-contractors. This social covenant is a good foundation stone for harmonious working relationships.

"GMB welcome EDF's intentions to buy into the need for investment, not only in the present workforce with up-skilling, but in apprentices to replace our already ageing workforce."

(CD/MH)