Offer to reallocate 60 of the 198 disputed jobs to UK workers is rejected as a 'derisory olive branch'

Striking workers have rejected a deal to end the dispute over the use of foreign labour, which has affected 21 UK power stations.

The deal was proposed following talks chaired by mediator Acas, but workers striking against the use of foreign labour by a subcontractor working at Lindsey oil refinery in Lincolnshire have refused to accept its terms.

A huge meeting was told that 60 of the 198 disputed jobs would potentially be made available to British workers. The deal would involve 40 skilled and 20 unskilled jobs being created for indigenous labourers.


Power plant
Power plants across the UK have been affected by the dispute

But protesters said they would continue their unofficial strike action, with Unite's Kenny Ward labelling the offer a “derisory olive branch”.

There was also confusion as union GMB said it was waiting for details of an offer to give 101 jobs to be put in writing. The offer was reportedly made late on Tuesday evening.

In addition, protesters are reportedly demanding proof that the foreign labourers being used are on the same pay and conditions as their British counterparts.

Contracted workers have been taking unofficial action in refineries, power stations and nuclear plants across Britain, in protest at foreign labourers being chosen over UK workers.

Around 600 workers at Langage power station in Devon and 500 at Shell's Stanlow refinery in Cheshire joined the protest strikes yesterday.

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