Workers on Heathrow’s Terminal 5 could strike if the ECA does not improve pay offer for electricians on site.

Electricians at T5 are ready to strike over the lack of an improved wages offer from employers.

As EMC went to press, Amicus-Unite officials were considering whether to go ahead with strike action at high profile sites, including T5, that have already voted in favour, or to put action to a national ballot.

Amicus-Unite members refused the Joint Industry Board’s (JIB’s) three year wage offer at the end of June. A JIB/SJIB ballot was held nationally. Out of the 17 340 papers sent out, just 4150 were returned. In all, 59.46% of voters rejected the wage offer.

The deal consisted of a 14.8% pay rise over three years: 4.67% in 2008, 4.5% in 2009 and 5% in 2010.

The ECA has so far refused to improve the offer in talks with the union.

When asked what the likelihood of strike action is, Amicus-Unite national officer Tom Hardacre said: “We’re determined at this moment in time, if people are prepared to take the employers on. It’s as simple as that.” Electricians are thought to be unwilling to make a three-year deal.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor