Unions and campaigners have held a demonstration against breaches to pay, conditions and safety at the £800 million energy to waste construction site at Parc Adfer in Deeside, North Wales.

Trade unionists and protestors are demanding that French contractor CNIM adheres to national construction sector agreements covering pay, terms and conditions for workers at the site.

Union Unite has claimed CNIM and its appointed sub-contractors are refusing to apply national construction agreements on the project, and are instead using the actual living wage as a minimum in setting pay, leaving workers with potentially 63% less pay. In addition, the union claims CNIM is also undermining health and safety, welfare provisions, training and limiting the numbers of local labour it employs.

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CNIM was appointed by American firm Wheelabrator to deliver the Parc Adfer project on behalf of the North Wales Residual Waste Treatment Partnership, which is led by Flintshire County Council and includes Conwy County Borough Council, Denbighshire County Council, Gwynedd County Council and Isle of Anglesey County Council.

Unite has been putting pressure on local authorities involved in the public private partnership, as well as politicians, in order to resolve the situation.

Regional Officer Steve Benson said the 'race to the bottom' and undermining of national agreements by CNIM on the project is "shameful".

"Workers are short changed out of the proper rate for job while industry agreements and health and safety and welfare provisions are being undermined," he said.

"National agreements work for both workers and employers. Workers receive a fair rate of pay and operate in safe environment, while projects are delivered promptly to high standard on budget.

"The local councils involved in the project and Wheelabrator need to take responsibility and tell CNIM to end the 'race to the bottom' and start honouring national construction agreements."

Image: CGI of £800m Parc Adfer Energy Project.

(LM)