Unions threaten Hinkley delays over bonus dispute

Unions Unite and the GMB are preparing to ballot 700 workers on the £18bn Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant over a bonuses dispute which could lead to potential industrial action.

In a statement the unions said they were unhappy with civils contractors Laing O’Rourke and Bouygues TP and their alleged “failure … to pay the bonus rate in line with the spirit of [pay agreement] HPC Civil Construction”.

The ballot – which the unions said could ultimately lead to delays on Hinkley – will be run between 2-5 May.

Rob Miguel, Unite regional officer and chair of the HPC joint union, said: “We would urge the employers to get back around the table with senior union officials to achieve a fair settlement, so building can continue to the highest standard, safely and on schedule.”

Laing O’Rourke and Bouygues referred enquiries to EDF.

An EDF Energy spokesperson said: “We are committed to a continuing dialogue on this issue with our contractor and trade union partners. Discussions are ongoing and our intention is to reach a mutually acceptable outcome.”