Workers walk out in Grangemouth, Scotland. Photo: Phillip Stott
Workers walk out in Grangemouth, Scotland. Photo: Phillip Stott

On Wednesday 10 August, workers on a number of construction sites at oil refineries and power plants walked off the job. This was the first of what are intended as fortnightly walk-outs over pay.

The unofficial action was called by Unite and GMB members in the shop stewards forum. Both unions are reported to be looking to hold official ballots at all NAECI sites, where workers are employed under the National Agreement for Engineering Construction Industry. A two-year deal was previously made of 2.5% a year over 2022-23, now way below inflation.

Socialist Party members visited a number of sites round the country.

Iain Dalton, Leeds Socialist Party, reports from Drax power station, near Selby in Yorkshire

What started as a handful on the picket in the early morning, grew to hundreds as workers parked up and joined the picket. Their numbers were increased further due to the hostile attitude of security, who attempted to stop workers speaking to drivers coming into the site. In response, workers who had been given dispensation to fix a broken boiler walked out to join the protest.

Many work in very dangerous conditions, some for very low basic pay. I spoke to industrial cleaners who work in very hot conditions removing slag from pipework, and clicker and ash from hoppers, for just £10.58 an hour.

Nick Chaffey, Southern region Socialist Party, visited the Fawley oil refinery in Hampshire

Workers walk out at Fawley. Photo: Nick Chaffey

Hundreds protested at both gates at Fawley, angry at a job that has seen pay cut by half in a decade, and is dangerous. As one summed it up, now fuel prices have rocketed: “This job’s not worth it!”

At the biggest oil refinery in the country, where Exxon are making gargantuan profits, it is estimated that pay now just makes up 4% of turnover.

Many workers here work away from home, have local digs, and travel back at weekends. Costs are up and workers are angry that they have not had a response from the employers.

Both gates had hundreds out protesting. They had support from GMB reps from Hinkley B.

Fawley has seen its fair share of battles over NAECI in recent years. Contractors have flouted pay rates but have been forced to cough up when unofficial strikes have shown workers are not prepared to retreat.

It’s a common view among a layer of older workers that this is a fight for their kids and the future workforce as much as it is for today. A recent strike of outside contractors at Fawley forced up an initial offer from 2% to 9%. Reps were pleased to have the support of the National Shop Stewards Network and local activists. Everyone agreed with the call for coordinated action on pay.