Employers have condemned proposed plans for a series of single-day strikes set to disrupt major construction sites, arguing that the involved union, Unite, accepted a pay deal for several years merely eight months back. Unite, the union symbolising plumbers, welders, and fitters across the nation, is campaigning for the recovery of a travel allowance equating to over 12 per cent of pay, discontinued more than ten years back in response to sector difficulties following the financial crash. They claim a review of the move was supposed to occur but never did.
Announcement was made that notice for industrial action will be served this week to employers who are part of the Mechanical Engineering and Building Services Contractors’ Association (Mebsca), after the majority of members advocated for a strike. They plan to initially orchestrate a number of one-day halts at larger construction arenas, excluding however, sites in the process of constructing new homes.
Expressing their discontent at the proposed action, Mebsca revealed that they were “profoundly disappointed”. The collective pointed out that it was only eight months back that they reached an agreement with Unite, set to result in pay augmentation of 12.7 per cent for Unite members. They added that despite the deal not expiring until May 2026, Unite is trying to double this increase and that no other union is seeking growth during the agreement’s span.
Mebsca contends that the travel stipend, which is the dispute’s crux, was merged into the basic pay in 2011 as a part of a deal which effectively amplified the hourly rate and resulted in a higher pay rate for overtime and holidays. They disclosed that Unite is now hoping to retain the superior pay rate whilst also endeavouring to overturn the agreement which they voluntarily made at that time.
The Labour Court earlier supported Mebsca’s stance, stating that there were “no valid grounds to suggest granting the claim”. Unite’s regional officer, James McCabe conveyed emphatically that “employers in the mechanical sector should be thoroughly aware of our members’ resolve to see this reduction overturned”, and further warned them to brace for considerable upheaval if a significant offer wasn’t forthcoming.