UK energy workers call off strike after accepting 'whopping' pay offer

19 January 2024 , 14:28

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General view of Sellafield Nuclear power plant, in Cumbria. (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Construction workers at big energy sites have said 'yes' to a huge pay deal.

This means they won't go on strike now. Over 3,000 workers at places like Stanlow and Sellafield were going to stop working because they wanted more money.

The unions told us the workers will get a pay rise of more than 17% over two years. They'll get an extra 11.3% in 2024 and another 5.5% in 2025. They'll also get better sick pay and other things.

Charlotte Brumpton-Childs from the GMB union said: "These skilled workers have fought for the pay rise they so richly deserve. After watching their pay erode due to rampant inflation, they stood together and forced this whopping deal. They should be rightly proud of themselves."

Sharon Graham, who's the boss of Unite union, said: "This outstanding deal was achieved because our members knew the employers could not ignore their demands if they acted collectively. Across the construction industry and beyond, Unite's unrelenting focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is winning for our members."

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Lawrence Matheson