Scaffolders working at Eggborough power station in Goole are set to go on strike later this month in a dispute over pay.

Following a 100% yes vote in favour of industrial action, workers will begin the first 48-hour strike after 12am on Thursday, 17 August.

A further two-day stoppage will take place from Monday, 21 August. Workers will also begin continuous strike action from 29 August, as well as participating in an overtime ban from 16 August.

The scaffolders, who are employed by Cape Industrial Services, are disputing payments under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) agreement.

-- Advertisement --

Union Unite said industrial action is being carried out due to scaffolders only receiving category 4 payments of £15.12 an hour. Local agreement state when power stations are undergoing maintenance work, the normal NAECI rate of £16.97 an hour, plus an hourly bonus of £2.37, should apply.

The union added workers employed by other contractors on the power station are paid the full NAECI rate for the entire 12 month period.

Unite regional officer Chris Weldon, said: "It is highly disappointing that Cape has so far refused to enter into serious negotiations to resolve this dispute. Our members simply want Cape to create a level playing field and pay our scaffolding members on the same basis as other workers on the site.

"If the proposed strikes take place then everyone involved at Eggborough power station should brace themselves for widespread disruption.

"Our members are taking industrial action as a last resort. This dispute could be easily avoided, if Cape accepts our members are currently underpaid and introduces measures to resolve this matter."

(LM)