Severfield workers to strike over ‘disappointing’ pay deal
Workers at Severfield’s headquarters complex in North Yorkshire are set to strike over ‘disappointing’ pay conditions.
Steelworkers have planned three 24-hour strikes and three 12-hour strikes on Mondays and Fridays, backed by GMB Union. The strikes will cover a total of six days across three weeks, with 250 staff expected to take part.
Ninety-three per cent of GMB members working at Severfield’s Dalton complex, which includes a steelworks factory, voted for industrial action – with 95 per cent showing up to vote.
Other Severfield sites in Bolton and Ireland are in the final stages of voting over whether to strike.
GMB regional organiser Ben Kirkham said: “Despite huge profits and ever-increasing directors’ pay, staff have once again been offered a disappointing pay deal.
“We all hope that the strike action can be avoided. However, with only one meeting planned for Thursday for both parties to find a resolution, it will be difficult. Both parties are no closer to agreeing on a figure that could be taken back to our members.
“It’s vital Severfield invests in Dalton and those who work here. There are approximately 250 shop-floor employees at Dalton, of which almost all voted for strike action, and we expect them to turn up on the days of action.
“Staff can all see that they are struggling to retain and recruit skilled workers. If the company wants to deliver its growth plan, then it needs a world-class workforce.
“Hundreds of workers have now voted by massive majorities three times to take industrial action. It’s time that management realises that this workforce stands united and pays up.”
A spokesperson for Severfield said: “Severfield notes the decision by the GMB to conduct strikes.
“Severfield has, over the last three months, discussed, debated and reviewed a number of options before reaching an offer of employment terms that we believe appropriately supports our colleagues in challenging times.”
In its latest reported financial year, which covers the year to 31 March 2022, Severfield made a £27.1m profit on a revenue of £404m.