Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sellafield nuclear site workers to strike over pay

Site workers and catering staff in the GMB will walk out from 6am for 24 hours on Thursday

Alan Jones
Tuesday 28 November 2017 20:42 EST
Comments
Around 3,000 general workers will be involved in the protest
Around 3,000 general workers will be involved in the protest (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Thousands of workers at the Sellafield nuclear site will go on strike on Wednesday in separate disputes over pay.

Site workers and catering staff in the GMB will walk out from 6am for 24 hours, while firefighters in the same union will strike for 12 hours from 6am on Thursday.

Around 3,000 general workers will be involved in their third stoppage in a continued protest over an imposed 1.5 per cent wage rise, while catering and security workers employed by private contractor Mitie are objecting to an imposed 2 per cent wage increase.

Firefighters have rejected an offer the union said was worth an extra £4.30 a week.

Chris Jukes, GMB Senior Organiser, said: "Neither Sellafield nor Mitie members want to take industrial action but they have been left with no choice by their respective managements.

"All our members want is a pay offer which at least keeps up with inflation so they can afford to put food on their families' tables as inflation and the cost of living goes up and up.

"We urge Sellafield and Mitie to get round the table and negotiate a fair deal for everyone."

A Sellafield spokesman said: "The safety and security of the Sellafield site are our priorities during any industrial action.

"As always, we will work with other agencies to try to minimise disruption for the public."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in