T5 contractors must pay workers’ travelling costs

M&E contractors at T5 are facing a massive hike in their wage bills after an independent panel ruled that M&E workers are entitled to compensatory payments to cover travelling time.

The panel, which was called to adjudicate under the Major Projects Agreement’s (MPA) dispute procedure, made its decision last week.

Amicus regional officer Frank Westerman told CJ: “The panel has recognised that the situation is impossible and that our men are entitled to extra pay to cover the time it takes to get to site. There are not enough car parks and t here is no station.”

T5 M&E contractors are due to issue a statement this week, according to MPA Forum secretary Steve Brawley.

Although employers and Amicus officials have still to thrash out the terms of the agreement, union officials are expected to stick to their original demand for an extra £25 a day.

The ruling is seen as a crucial test for the MPA at T5. “If either side rejects the deal, the T5 agreement will have to be re-negotiated from scratch,” Westerman said.