EDF Energy, the GMB and Unite trade unions have reached a major new labour agreement for workers who will build the proposed new Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset.

The agreement applies to electrical and mechanical workers who will work on the project. It confirms their pay and conditions of employment, including welfare facilities and training.

This latest milestone follows the signing of similar agreements with unions in June 2013 for civil workers, as well as an overarching agreement establishing the framework for industrial relations for the project.

Together, the agreements play their part in EDF Energy's commitment to work together with unions and contractors to create a climate for positive industrial relations which promotes safety, quality and productivity.

Having put these agreements in place now is an important step towards ensuring the project is ready for delivery. It demonstrates a partnership approach between EDF Energy, unions and contractors and their joint commitment to the success of the project.

Phil Whitehurst, GMB National Officer said: "This 'Best in Class' agreement between EDF Energy, GMB and Unite was submitted with a recommendation of acceptance to the Engineering Construction sector shop stewards, who "unanimously" endorsed that recommendation. This now paves the way for the agreement to be signed off. A similar civil construction agreement is already agreed and signed off.

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"These agreements are ground breaking not only in the increased levels of pay terms and conditions compared to other agreements in the UK construction Industry, but they are bound together by a 'Common Framework/Social covenant' agreement which is good solid industrial relations foundation, which binds all the agreements together, this will enhance good site wide working relationships between the trade unions, the client, and their sub-contractors, which the GMB will work fastidiously to maintain for its members.

"GMB welcome EDF Energy's intentions to buy into the need for investment, not only in the present workforce with up-skilling, but in traditional apprentices, with proper pathways of learning to obtain their skills, these apprentices will help replace our already ageing workforce, and ensure the traditional mainline construction skills are maintained in the UK, this is a very refreshing concept, a far better result than the dark years of lack of investment by recent generations of governments and construction employers."

Vincent de Rivaz, Chief Executive, EDF Energy, said: "This groundbreaking agreement reflects the importance that we place on partnerships with our employees and with trade unions to help deliver the UK's first new nuclear power in a generation.

"Hinkley Point C has the potential to create 25,000 job opportunities in the UK during its construction, including over 400 apprentices, and it will create 900 jobs when operational.

"It is important that these jobs are covered by an agreement promoting the very best standards in industrial relations. I am pleased that EDF Energy, Unite and GMB will work together to provide a high class work force for the construction of Hinkley Point C and help rebuild the nation's nuclear industry."

(CD/JP)