GMB says it will coordinate strike action at Dounreay
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The GMB will co-ordinate strike action at Dounreay with the other two unions at the site, a representative has confirmed.
Unite and Prospect both said on Monday that their members would take strike action on May 1-2 following a resounding vote from all three unions.
Unite said its 460 members at the site would take further action on May 15 and May 29, with an overtime ban in place, while Prospect said the initial action would be followed by a work to rule.
The GMB is yet to confirm detailed plans but said it would coordinate with Unite and Prospect to fight for better pay for their workers at the former nuclear site which is being decommissioned.
Lesley-Anne MacAskill, GMB Scotland organiser in the Highlands, said: “A May Day rally on the first day of strike action will raise the voice of workers who have waited far too long for a fair pay award.”
She added: “Our members at Dounreay have been patient, perhaps too patient, but their patience has snapped.
“The company has had every opportunity month after month to recognise and fairly reward our members’ work but have failed to do so.
“There is still time to avert this action and find agreement but it will take urgency and commitment from the company that has been absolutely absent until now.”
The workers employed by Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS) based at Dounreay are taking action over a pay dispute. They previously turned down an offer of a 4.5 per cent increase, backdated to April 2023.
Unite had previously warned that strike action was “inevitable” in the coming weeks, while Prospect said it was the first time in a generation that its workers at the former nuclear plant will take this step.
Members of Unite, the GMB and Prospect voted to take action in a ballot which resulted in a huge majority in favour of going on strike – 85.5 per cent, 84.9 per cent and 72.8 per cent respectively.
The figures for taking action short of a strike were higher at 92.7 per cent (GMB), 89.8 per cent (Unite) and 87.4 per cent (Prospect).
Dounreay previously stated that it was disappointed by the results and said it was working with the unions to find a fair and affordable resolution.
It said contingency plans would be put in place “to maintain safety, security and environmental protection during any period of disruption”.
