Staythorpe redundancy dispute resolved

The GMB general union has called off planned strike action at the Staythorpe power station site related to a dispute over selection for redundancies after a deal was agreed on 10 February.

According to the GMB, the redundancy selection criteria given as part of the statutory consultation were in breach of the Acas code. Redundancies were announced in December 2009.

The agreement between the GMB and Alstom, the main contractor, provides that: 1) agency staff will leave before directly employed workers are selected for redundancy, according to the Acas code of practice; and 2) that both parties will utilise agreed NAECI procedures on future issues.

The site has already sparked controversy for the findings of an audit that showed Italian contractor Somi was undercutting the wages of UK employees (see Workplace Report January 2010 p. 5). The GMB is pressing for further outstanding issues to be resolved over breaches to NAECI terms and conditions by contractors.

Andy Fletcher, GMB regional organiser, said: “GMB members were extremely angry that they had been forced into taking action against redundancy selection criteria.” He added: “The GMB will continue to bring contractors to account where they breach the national agreement and undercut terms and conditions.”