Heating industry accepts new long-term pay deal

Workers in the heating and ventilating industry have voted by nine to one in favour of accepting a new long-term pay deal that will increase basic rates by 11% over the next three years.

The basic hourly rate for craftsmen is increased by 3.5% from £10 to £10.35 with effect from 6 November this year. There is a further 3.5% increase to £10.73 as from 3 September next year. And the rate will rise by 4% to £11.16 as from 6 October, 2008.

Increases in the combined holiday credits and welfare contributions are backdated this year to 2 October. Next year they are payable from 1 October, together with sickness and accident benefit improvements. In 2008, all benefits and allowances are payable from 6 October.

The top rate for foremen rises to £13.66 this year, £14.14 next year and £14.71 in 2008.

Employers in the Heating and Ventilating Contractors Assoc-iation and operatives represented by the Amicus union have agreed to further talks regarding the growth of agency labour over recent years. They are also to review provisions in the national agreement relating to tea breaks and unproductive time.

There are some amend- ments to the agreement to fit in with the new age equality regulations.

[Contract Journal, 25 October 2006, p 6]