National protests planned for Scunthorpe scaffolders

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Campaigners are set to stage protests at four Actavo sites across England, Scotland and Ireland to demand that Actavo pays scaffolders the rate for the job.

As previously reported over 50 scaffolders employed by Actavo at British Steel in Scunthorpe are continuing a long-running dispute over pay. The workers are being paid up to 15 per cent below the agreed rate for the job under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI).

The scaffolders will begin continuous strike action this Wednesday (26 January 2022). Supporters of the Scunthorpe scaffolders in their pay dispute are planning to stage protests at key Actavo locations around the country.

14,000 supporters have signed Unite’s petition calling on Actavo’s boss to respect national agreements and pay his company’s scaffolders the agreed rate for the job.

Unite is calling on both British Steel and Actavo to enter into tripartite negotiations with Unite.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Supporters across the UK and Ireland are sending a clear message. Pay the Scunthorpe scaffolders the rate for the job.

“British Steel and Actavo need to understand that Unite is standing firm. We will fight tooth and nail to stop the race to the bottom. British Steel and Actavo can’t go on ignoring the issue forever.”

Unite regional officer Richard Bedford said: “We call on both British Steel and Actavo to join Unite in tripartite discussions. It’s time for all parties to get around the negotiating table so the scaffolders can get back to work.”

 

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