Planned oil refinery strikes have been cancelled after NAECI workers accepted a pay rise accumulating 17% over two years
Strikes planned at Stanlow, Fawley, Valero, Grangemouth and Mossmorran oil refineries along with the Sellafield nuclear facility have been called off after a pay deal was reached.
More than 3,000 workers covered by the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) voted for industrial action in October last year.
NAECI members carry out essential repair and maintenance at oil refineries, power stations and pharmaceutical and petrochemical plants.
The new pay deal includes added benefits
The inital pay rise offered was 8.5% for 2024 and 3.5% for 2025.
However, the new deal ensures 11.3% from January 2024 and at least 5.5% from January 2025 – a cumulative 17.4% over two years.
Other benefits include improved sickness and accident benefits, a London overnight supplement and £1 rate enhancement along with pension, productivity and apprenticeship reviews.
NAECI members are represented by the Unite and GMB unions
GMB national officer Charlotte Brumpton-Childs said: “These skilled workers have fought for the pay rise they so richly deserve. After watching their pay erode due to rampant inflation, they stood together and forced this whopping deal. They should be rightly proud of themselves.”
Unite national officer Jason Poulter said: “This excellent result is a prime example of the benefits to be gained by being part of Unite. Unite will continue to build on our industrial strength in the construction sector so we can continue winning for workers.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham added: “This outstanding deal was achieved because our members knew the NAECI employers could not ignore their demands if they acted collectively. Across the construction industry and beyond, Unite’s unrelenting focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is winning for our members.”
