Last ditch talks to avoid Sellafield firefighters' strike restart
2 min read
Sellafield Ltd are at the door of the last chance saloon if they want to avert industrial action says GMB.
GMB, the union for nuclear workers, is holding further talks with Sellafield Ltd bosses today in a final attempt to avert a planned strike among Sellafield firefighters.
Talks took place last Friday, June 30th and were paused to allow Sellafield management to reflect on its position.
The last ditch talks will take place today (July 6) at 1pm at Sellafield, Seascale, Cumbria, CA20 1PG,
During the earlier talks, Sellafield Ltd tabled an offer which had already been rejected by the fire-fighters.
Sellafield Management then requested more time 'to reflect’ on their position before further talks today.
GMB members voted two to one in favour of a series of 24 hour strikes starting in July.
The dispute over pay grading has been going on for several years – during which time the firefighters have been performing roles above and beyond what they are paid to do – such as paramedic work.
Firefighters at Sellafield are considered by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to be among the best in the country.
Crews at Sellafield work in a fully–fledged firefighter role to keep the 10,000 plus workers on site safe.
They are ready to respond immediately to fires and other emergencies – which is vital given the potentially hazardous nature of work on the Sellafield site.
Chris Jukes, GMB Senior Organiser, said:
“Sellafield Ltd are now at the door of the last chance saloon if they want to avert these strikes.
“GMB’s Sellafield firefighters work above and beyond their pay grade to ensure the safety of tens of thousands on site - not to mention the wider public for miles around the site.
“But, after years of being underpaid, it’s time they were given their due.
“No one wants to go on strike - but we’ve been backed into a corner.
“We urge Sellafield Ltd to take this opportunity to make a decent pay offer and avoid industrial action.”
