Builder blocks union access to death site

The Unite general union has called on building firm Laing O’Rourke and its subsidiary Crown House to allow access to a construction site where a construction worker suffered fatal injuries.

The union has had numerous requests for access to the Francis Crick site to support members working on the project refused by Crown House.

Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said the death was “a tragedy”.

“This is a harsh reminder of the importance of high standards of health and safety in an industry that is extremely dangerous” she said. “Trade unions have a role to play in maintaining safe working environments but Laing O’Rourke has bizarrely banned Unite officials from their sites.

“There is no place for anti-trade union behaviour in an industry where we should be working together in the interests of safety.”

The union has urged Laing O’Rourke and its subsidiary to give Unite access to the sites to support workers and make improvements where necessary.

www.unitetheunion.org/news/fatality-at-laing-o-rourke-construction-site-prompts-unite-to-demand-access