Construction News

Tue March 19 2024

Related Information

Kier faces Somerset strike

28 Jan 15 Construction contractor Kier is finding that when you diversify into municipal services, it can bring not just a new revenue stream but also new industrial relations challenges.

Kier paid £221m to buy May Gurney in 2013 largely because it was attracted by its municipal support services businesses, including emptying bins and sweeping streets.

Now it is facing a strike by its refuse workers in Somerset who are unhappy about the pay deal Kier is offering. Kier has epxressed its disappointment having thought that it had already met union demands.

GMB union members employed by Kier May Gurney on the refuse and recycling contract for North Somerset Council have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a pay dispute that dates back to April 2014. More than 90% voted for action in the ballot being conducted by EBRS which closed on 27th January.

GMB regional officer Adi Baker said: “If there is no movemen, industrial action is inevitable which will have a significant impact on the residents of North Somerset. I hope the company will take steps to avert this.”

Related Information

The GMB members are employed on the refuse contract for kerbside collection across North Somerset and in the household waste recycling centres in Weston Super Mare, Backwell and Portishead. Kier May Gurney has had the contract with North Somerset Council since 2010 and the current contract runs until 2017, with an option to extend for a further seven years.

Negotiations on the pay review, due from 1st April 2014, were protracted for several reason, the union said. When the outcome was put to the workforce earlier this year they rejected the final offer by a 90% majority. When this rejection was conveyed to the employer the response was that the offer was final and that no improvement was possible, GMB said.

A Kier spokesperson said: “We have been in active discussions with our employees and the GMB since April 2014 to try to reach a resolution, and have made repeated offers as part of that process. Most recently, we made an increased offer ranging from 1.3% to 1.8%, which was in line with the original guidance given by the GMB. This range also addresses a concern raised by our employees about the difference in pay rates between certain roles, so this offer sought to achieve fairness and consistency. So it is very disappointing that the GMB are recommending strike action when we believe we have listened to our employees, have been keen to engage with the GMB to reach a solution, and have made, what we believe, is a fair and workable offer.”

GMB has also now begun proceedings at the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) to secure information relating to the cost of the paybill and other information relevant to the negotiations. The union says that Kier has a legal duty to provide this to assist negotiations.

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk

MPU
MPU

Click here to view latest construction news »