Demolition workers get better pay deal

Union bosses have agreed an 11% pay rise over two years for demolition workers with the National Federation of Demolition Contractors.

The settlement provides for two 5.5% increases. The basic hourly rate for a Grade 3 operative or topman rose from £7.32 to £7.72, which began on 20 July. The new rate for a Grade 2 operative is £7.10 and the rate for a Grade 1 labourer is £6.68. There is a pro rata increase for all other skill rates. There will be another 5.5% rise from 20 July 2006.

The package also includes holiday entitlement, travel allowances and a reduction in sick pay waiting days.

Sick pay is increased to £92.50 per week. Subsistence allowance rises to £35 per night. Fares and travel money are increased by 5%. There is also extra holiday entitlement of one additional day and two days for those with two years’ service and four years’ service respectively.

As from 20 July 2006, the Grade 3 rate will rise to £8.14 per hour. The Grade 2 rate will be £7.50 and the Grade 1 rate will be £7.05.

• Civil engineering workers on opencast coal sites have been awarded an interim pay increase of 3%.