T5 crane operators demand pay boost

Amicus-AEEU officials have called for a meeting with Select, which employs 200 crane operators at T5, to demand it implements a similar pay rise to match the national pay agreement it negotiated with HTC Plant. The pay award was negotiated after a concerted campaign by HTC Plant crane operators at the Wembley site earlier this year.

Further talks will be held with HTC Plant in October, when union officials are hoping to see the bonus consolidated into the basic rate and a new bonus implemented, bringing the rate to £10.50 an hour.

Now union officials have pledged to extend this agreement to other crane operating companies. The union has written to Select and Falcon asking for meetings to discuss the introduction of similar rates for their respective crane drivers.

An Amicus-AEEU spokesman told CJ: "This shows what can be achieved if the workforce all pull together. Bear in mind just over three years ago the hourly rate for crane drivers was £4.75.

"The industry must recognise that although crane operators are not registered as skilled workers, they are as important as any skilled worker on site, operating and servicing the most important piece of machinery on site. This pay award gives them the respect they deserve.

"Now we are looking to ensure these rates of pay across the board so that HTC Plant can operate on a level playing field and remain competitive. What we want is a national pay agreement which covers all tower crane operators."

HTC Plant director and general manager Alex Lowe told CJ the pay rates reflect the quality of service the company aims to provide its customers. He added: "Clients want a culture of safety, quality, the best equipment and a positive attitude. You do not get that with a cheap pay rate deal. We want to be the best and this pay award is part of that strategy."

Lowe declined to discuss future pay talks, but commented: "We will listen to any serious wishes and work out what is affordable and negotiate from that point."