Workers reject pay offer

A peace-deal in the engineering construction sector was rejected today when workers turned-down an improved pay and conditions offer from the employers.

The decision has re-ignited fears of a national strike crippling power plants across the country.

Shop stewards had recommended the offer of a guaranteed pay rise of at least 3% over the next two years. But the rank and file workforce voted against the deal during a ballot last week.

Demands for improvements under the Naeci "blue book" agreement have continued against a backdrop of unrest and unofficial stoppages over the use of cheap foreign labour in the industry.

Members of Unite and the GMB are furious about the influx of foreign workers being paid below industry agreed rates.

Unite's assistant general secretary, Les Bayliss, said: "Recent events at engineering construction sites at Lindsey, Staythorpe and Uskmouth  have  infuriated construction workers and as a result our members in the industry have  rejected the employers' latest offer.

"It's now time to return to the negotiating table to thrash out an improved offer. The workers are still looking for movement from the employers on an effective means of workers being included in future construction projects."