Sellafield pay row prompts worker ballot
PA MediaUnion members at the Sellafield nuclear site are to be balloted for strike action in a long-running dispute over specialised pay.
Unite has accused contractors at the Cumbria plant of refusing requests for "site specific allowances" relating to those working on advanced technologies projects.
It said strike action would result in work at the plant grinding to a halt and called for further negotiations.
Sellafield Ltd said it did not directly employ those affected but "safety and security" would be its priority.
The ballot, of 1,500 workers employed by 36 contractors, will start on Thursday and last until 24 July.
The affected workers include electricians, joiners, pipefitters, riggers, groundworkers, welders, painters and other construction roles.
The union said there was also a further demand for the introduction of a nuclear professional allowance for its members, as construction workers at Hinkley Point C, AWE, Sizewell C and BAE Systems in Barrow were given a premium.
Unite regional officer Ryan Armstrong said: "Strike action would inevitably result in work at Sellafield grinding to a halt but the employers have brought this dispute on themselves by refusing to negotiate.
"There is still time to avoid strike action, but the employers must return to the table with a viable offer."
A spokesperson for Sellafield said the company was aware of the dispute involving contractors employed under specific working agreements.
"The affected individuals are not employees of Sellafield Ltd," a spokesperson said.
"As always, the safety and security of the Sellafield site, our workforce and the local community will be our priority during any industrial action."