Scunthorpe Scaffolders Set to Go On Permanent Strike This Week

SCAFFOLDERS employed by Actavo at British Steel in Scunthorpe will begin continuous strike action this Wednesday (26 January 2022).

The workers are being paid up to 15 per cent below the agreed rate for the job under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI).

Unite is calling on both British Steel and Actavo to enter into tripartite negotiations with Unite.

Scunthorpe Scaffolders

The union and supporters of the scaffolders are calling on Actavo and British Steel to “take responsibility for the ‘mess’ they have created” by not applying the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) agreed pay rates for scaffolders.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “British Steel and Actavo need to understand that Unite is standing firm. We will fight tooth and nail to stop the race to the bottom. British Steel and Actavo can’t go on ignoring the issue forever.”

Petition Support

14,000 supporters have signed Unite’s petition calling on Actavo CEO Brian Kelly to respect national agreements and pay his company’s scaffolders the agreed rate for the job.

Unite regional officer Richard Bedford said: “We call on both British Steel and Actavo to join Unite in tripartite discussions. It’s time for all parties to get around the negotiating table so the scaffolders can get back to work.”

The workers are in a long running dispute with their employer Actavo (UK). But Unite says that the client, British Steel, must also take responsibility for the prolonged dispute.

Problems began in 2019, as a result of the scaffolders not being paid in line with the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI). The rates for the workforce are currently between 10-15 per cent (depending on specific roles) below these rates. The workers maintain 500 scaffolding structures at the British Steel site.

>>Read more about the Scunthorpe scaffolders in the news