Drax workers get 19% pay rise after weeks of strikes

Canteen workers on the picket line outside Drax near Selby, North Yorkshire

Canteen workers at a North Yorkshire power station have been given a 19% pay uplift after six weeks of industrial action.

Drax canteen workers in Selby, who are employed by company BaxterStorey, started walkouts in December last year.

This week, BaxterStorey agreed to pay workers £12 per hour and an additional £1 per hour site bonus.

The BBC has approached BaxterStorey for a statement while Drax declined to comment.

'Great feeling'

Union Unite said the new rate was the equivalent of the real living wage set by the Living Wage Foundation.

Overall, the predominantly female workforce will receive a pay rise of up to 19.2% from 1 January.

Unite rep at the Drax canteen, Diane Power, said: “Most of us at the canteen had never really considered getting organised in a union before.

"But the last couple of years have been difficult for all of us because of the cost-of-living crisis.

"Everyone is really pleased with the pay deal and it’s such a great feeling knowing we stood up together and supported each other to achieve it.”

'An inspiration'

Negotiations with BaxterStorey on signing an agreement to recognise Unite as the workers’ union were still ongoing but were moving forward "constructively".

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “A huge congratulations to Drax’s canteen workers who fought hard for a fair pay rise and won.

"Their determination on the picket line and refusal to back down is an inspiration, particularly to other women workers."

Unite workplace reps would meet with the company in October to begin their next annual pay review, the union said.