Altrad Services workers based at Sellafield in Cumbria have accepted an improved pay offer, ending long-running strikes.
The workers are responsible for access and maintenance of the Fellside site, which produces steam for the wider Sellafield site next door.
They voted to accept an offer that will see Altrad register to work with the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) to set annual pay rates. As a result, engineering construction will receive an annual wage increase of between £1,100 and £6,000 as of April.
Meanwhile, painters and supervisors will receive 7.5% and 11% pay increases respectively as of April, worth between £2,700 and £4,900 for each worker depending on the pay grade. They will also come under a local recognition agreement that will see annual pay rises equal to those set by NAECI.
The deal also includes on back pay and allowances agreements, as well as incentive bonus arrangements.
The employees took part in industrial action on 10-15, 17-22 and 24-29 October last year, as they said they were unhappy that Altrad Services had reneged on previously agreed pay deals.
They were originally advised and agreed to a 11.3% rise in January 2024. During the cost-of-living crisis, Altrad gave staff an additional 4% salary increase which they were told was permanent, however, they argue that they have only received a 7.3% rise rather than the agreed 11.3%.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Well done to Unite’s members and reps at Fellside. Without their hard work and solidarity this huge pay win could not have been secured. This is another excellent example of how Unite’s complete commitment to improving jobs, pay and conditions is delivering for our members.”
Ryan Armstrong, regional officer at Unite, added: “This is an excellent deal achieved after our members stood together. Those wanting better wages and working lives should join Unite and organise their colleagues to join too.”
Altrad Services was contacted for comment prior to publication.
