Nuclear construction workers plan third strike

Strike action will take place from Monday until 2 November

Construction workers employed by contractors at a nuclear site are to go on strike for a third time in two months in a dispute over pay.

Unite members at Sellafield in Cumbria will take action from Monday until 2 November after previously striking earlier in October and for four days in September.

The union said it was because construction workers at other nuclear projects received pay premiums that contractors at Sellafield did not match.

Sellafield Ltd said it did not directly employ those taking part in the action but "safety and security" would continue to be its priority throughout the strike.

Staff taking action include electricians, joiners, pipe-fitters, riggers, welders and groundworkers working for six subcontractors, according to Unite.

The contractors are Altrad, Enigma, ES Steel, Kaefer Ltd, Meldrum Ltd and PPS Electrical.

Kaefer Ltd declined to comment. The others have all been approached for comment.

Unite said it was calling on employers to return to discussions and "recognise the unique hazards and skillsets required" at the Cumbrian facility.

General secretary Sharon Graham said: "The employers at Sellafield need to start playing fair by our members, who are all highly skilled workers operating in an extremely challenging environment."

A spokesperson for the nuclear site said it could not resolve the dispute because it did not employ the workers.

"We will also continue to support Cumbria Police as they work to minimise the impact of the action on the local road network," the spokesperson said.