Strike action threatens Canary Wharf site

Strike action is threatened by some 200 brickwork operatives on a Bovis flats and hotel development at Canary Wharf in London, following a row over the recognition of a Ucatt shop steward.

Lou Lewis, Ucatt regional secretary, said: "It is beginning to head towards strike action. The brickwork contractors, Irving and Whitlock, don't want to recognise Ucatt. They are not being cooperative. They are refusing to recognise our elected shop steward.

"Our local full time official, Gerry Swain, has held the men back in the canteen at meal and tea breaks. It is a big job. And about 150 tradesmen plus labourers are involved. We are not going to have Irving and Whitlock interfere with our internal union democracy.

"It is a case where the men are back on the cards and are no longer cowed by being only semi-legal. The contractors are obviously concerned that they are going to demand their full employment rights."

The dispute is centred on the Berkeley Tower (pictured above) contract which was topped out last week. The 22-storey, 75m high apartment block is being built by Bovis Lehrer McGovern International (BLMI), and managed by Canary Riverside Management (Manco). The development also includes a luxury hotel and leisure facilities.