Workers at nuclear power site vote to strike

Workers at the Dounreay nuclear power complex in Caithness have voted to strike in a dispute over pay.

The GMB union said its ballot had an 85% turnout.

Unite and Prospect have also been balloting their members at the site near Thurso.

The GMB said a 4.5% offer backdated to April 2023 was unacceptable when it covered 12 months when inflation was running above 11%. Dounreay said it was disappointed by the result and would continue to work with unions.

GMB Scotland senior organiser Keir Greenaway said: “Given the economic situation, our members have not been offered a pay rise at all but a real terms pay cut.

“Managers insist they are bound by civil service rules but apparently can pick and choose which rules to follow.

"They seem far more relaxed when it comes to their own pay, for example.”

The dispute involves employees of Magnox Limited, which is part of Dounreay.

A spokeswoman for Dounreay said: “We are disappointed by the result and remain committed to working with the unions to find a resolution that is fair and affordable.

"While we hope industrial action can be avoided, we will now enact contingency plans to ensure minimum staffing levels are in place to maintain safety, security and environmental protection during any period of disruption.”