07.10.2014

UK crane operator vote on strike

The UK construction union UCATT is balloting crane operators at tower crane specialist HTC Plant in a dispute over pay.

The operators are being asked if they would support industrial action - including strikes – if HTC refuses to negotiate towards restoring pay levels to pre-recession levels, following a period where salaries were frozen and allowances apparently cut.

The union claims that now that the industry is “booming” again, it is time for the company to restore a similar standard of living that its crane operator members enjoyed in 2008. The ballot will close on Monday 27th October.

UPDATE
We understand that around 180 operators voted in the ballot and that over 90 percent of them voted in favour of striking. The union has said that actual strike action could follow in the next week or so.

It also warns that operators at other crane companies may well follow suit with their own ballots.