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Construction workers at Stanlow oil refinery in Cheshire have reached an agreement for an enhanced bonus payment after initial plans for industrial action.
This agreement involves more than 450 construction workers, including scaffolders associated with the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) and employed by various contractors at the facility.
As reported previously, the strike was initially scheduled for Tuesday, 18 July. However, it was cancelled after employers expressed a willingness to enter into renewed discussions about the bonus rate.
Following these discussions, the hourly bonus rate was adjusted from 80 pence to £2.37, representing a notable increase.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham provided insights into the outcome, remarking, “This negotiation process showcased the importance of collective dialogue and collaboration. From the outset, our stance was rooted in the belief that a re-evaluation of the bonus payment was plausible, and the final agreement resonated with this viewpoint.”
The bonus rate issue at Stanlow is among several other similar situations affecting NAECI-affiliated workers across the UK. Given the current economic landscape and rising inflation rates, workers have sought pay adjustments, especially since there have been hesitations from employers nationally to augment basic wage rates.
Lee Brennan, a regional officer for Unite, acknowledged the role of union representatives in the process, noting, “Their consolidated efforts, even while representing workers from diverse employers, were pivotal. It’s through such collective endeavors that negotiation outcomes often find middle ground.”
The GMB union’s involvement was also noted in the recent discussions at the refinery.
