A row over bonus pay for workers at Hinkley Point C has moved a step closer to ending after an interim agreement was reached between contractors and the Unite union.
The parties involved have all committed to taking part in a ‘collective differences panel’, which will seek a long-term resolution to the dispute.
As part of the agreement, workers will receive interim bonus payments linked to work-site safety and collaboration until the end of August. Supervisors and craftspeople will be paid bonuses of £4 per hour, skilled workers £3 per hour and general workers £2 per hour.
The deal was agreed to by representatives of the plant developer EDF Energy, the Unite union, the tier one contractor BYLOR formed by Bouygues TP and Laing O’Rourke, and the Kier-Bam joint venture, which is undertaking enabling works at the site.
The collective differences panel will be made up of a senior Unite official and a senior EDF Energy executive, and will attempt to identify by August permanent bonus pay arrangements which are acceptable to all parties.
No industrial action will be considered whilst the interim deal is place or the collective differences procedure is ongoing.
EDF Energy programme and construction delivery director for Hinkley Point C, Nigel Cann, said: “We are pleased that these interim arrangements allow constructive dialogue to continue to finalise this important agreement.
“ has been a constructive partner in the discussions to date and I look forward to this continuing throughout the construction of the Hinkley Point C power station.”
Unite acting national officer for construction Jerry Swain said: “I am pleased that following consultation with our stewards and members that we along with the various parties have been able to agree a clear path forward and that the prospect of industrial action, which is always a last resort, can be taken off the agenda in order to allow the differences panel to deliberate.
“The work undertaken by EDF Energy in ensuring that all parties signed up to the interim agreement has been crucial in providing a breathing space and creating the opportunity for a long-term solution”.