GMB in move toward separate pay agreement

The GMB union has made an opening move towards negotiating a separate industrial agreement on pay and conditions with members of the Major Contractors Group, following their decision to withdraw from the Building Employers Confederation and the Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors.

Allan Black, national officer of the GMB, has written to the leaders of the other main construction unions - Ucatt, the TGWU, and the AEEU - suggesting preliminary talks on the implications of the majors' move.

Black said: "Their decision, particularly if this example is followed by others, raises large issues concerning the future of the national agreements with a significant part of the industry. As I understand it, there will be a question about the continued existence of at least one of the employers' organisations.

"I am writing to seek views on a four union meeting at national level to see if we can establish a common approach to this issue. In view of past problems, I am proposing that an initial discussion should be exploratory, on a without-prejudice basis."

George Henderson, national secretary of the TGWU, has replied that the joint secretaries of the main building and civil engineering agreements already "have the matter in hand."

Henderson suggests, in any case, that it would not be appropriate to involve the AEEU which is not a signatory to either of these agreements.

Henderson said this week: "I am not worried by the majors' decision. I have been in touch with Neville Simms (Tarmac's group chief executive) for talks. His office has suggested a meeting in September."