Threat of industrial action resulted in deal increasing from 3.6% to 4.5%

Thousands of engineering construction workers will receive a pay rise of 4.5 per cent from May, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

The deal, which includes a range of other benefits, was narrowly accepted in a vote by 3,000 workers, who operate under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI).

The workers, who carry out essential repair and maintenance at oil refineries, power stations and pharmaceutical and petro-chemical plants, will see their wages increase by around £2,000 on average.  

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Due to the deal passing by a slim majority, Unite is now seeking to open negotiations for 2027 pay with the employers’ side as soon as possible. Unite never rests in the fight to keep improving our members’ jobs, terms and conditions.”

The workers initially rejected an offer of 3.6 per cent that was imposed in February.

The offer was increased to 4.5 per cent after Unite began the process of initiating industrial action proceedings for NAECI workers at sites across the UK, including EDF Torness, Sizewell B, Grangemouth, Drax, Stanlow ESSAR and GSK Montrose.

Unite national officer for construction Jason Poulter said: “Unite will continue to grow our industrial strength in construction, so that we can keep delivering wins for workers across the sector.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.