Altrad workers increase strike action at Sellafield

The Altrad Services employees represented by Unite are increasing their strike action to four days from this week. 

Jamie Doran, an employee and union representative, said: "We went to Unite the Union for some advice, and found out that we were promised an 11.3% pay rise that was to come into force in April 2024. 

"We put it across to Altrad to tell them that we are owed this money and a back date along with a pay rise which they agreed to. 

"But what seems to have happened is that Altrad has taken a pay rise off us that we were given as a cost-of-living payment."

Mr Doran explained that they are now fighting on the picket lines for 4.3%.

Unite members strike (Image: Supplied)

The workers have been on the picket line for seven weeks including three days of strike action and two days in work. 

An Altrad spokesperson said: "We are aware of a dispute involving one of our supply chain partners and their employees.

"Sellafield Ltd is not directly involved in this dispute.

"This action involves a small number of workers and we are taking steps to mitigate the impact of this industrial action on our operations.

"As always, the safety and security of the Sellafield site, our workforce, and the local community remains our priority during any industrial action."

Mr Doran added: "We've had to escalate it as we felt that our point wasn't getting across. 

"There are thirteen of us in the team altogether. We are asking for 4.3% backdated to January 8, 2024. 

READ MORE: Unite the Union announce Altrad workers to strike at Sellafield site

"We're also asking for regulations and guidelines on the site. Currently, we're on a local agreement and we're trying to get onto the type of agreement that Sellafield is on at present. 

"We've tried to resolve this by postponing our industrial action for a day to organise a meeting, but we didn't hear back from Altrad in time."