Roofers get 10% pay rise

Mastic asphalt roofing operatives have won a 10% increase in basic rates of pay over the next two years.

The settlement is estimated to cover 5,000 to 10,000 workers. It provides for a 5% increase this month, followed by a further 5% rise in June 2004.

TGWU national secretary Bob Blackman said there was also a 5% increase in the bonus rate and in all allowances.

* A threat of strike action in the opencast coal sector has faded. Civil engineering operatives working for opencast contractors now seem likely to accept a 2.5% pay rise backdated to the beginning of January of this year.