Ucatt members call off tomorrow’s planned strike

Crane

Crane drivers at HTC Plant have accepted a 14% pay rise over three years, prompting union Ucatt to call off planned strike action scheduled for tomorrow.

The dispute had centred on HTC’s recent offer of a 3% pay rise to its crane operators, which Ucatt said failed to make up for pay freezes during the recession and resulted in a day of strike action on 7 November.

Ucatt members at HTC voted in favour of the improved pay package in a ballot on Tuesday and all planned strike action has now been called off.

Ucatt added: “The new agreement also means that the bonus rate has been consolidated into the basic rate and a further raft of expenses and allowances, which workers previously enjoyed, have been reinstated.â€

Steve Murphy, general secretary of Ucatt, said: “This is a victory for common sense. We welcome the agreement as it gives stability to both sides. Our members have certainty about pay and HTC have certainty over their future business costs.â€

Murphy added: “UCATT is now looking forward to a fruitful relationship with HTC.â€