Yesterday construction union Ucatt submitted a report on the project to the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Select Committee, which is investigating blacklisting in the construction industry. (See previous report here.)
Among Ucatt’s numerous allegations is that Laing O’Rourke is not placing employees who live locally on the job because they are known to be union members.
Ucatt claims that Laing O’Rourke has blocked all discussions about worker representatives, including union safety representatives.
In response, Laing O’Rourke issued this statement:
“Laing O’Rourke’s overriding priority is the safety and welfare of our workforce. We are committed to challenging and changing the construction industry and have invested heavily in Mission Zero, our behaviourally based safety approach which aims to eradicate all injuries in the Laing O’Rourke workplace by 2020.
“Given this ambition it is with regret that we confirm that recently there have been three reportable incidents on the Alder Hey in the Park project in which three employees sustained injuries, none of which were life-threatening. Those affected are receiving the necessary support and medical care to treat their injuries. These incidents are being thoroughly investigated and whilst these investigations continue we cannot comment further.
“The points that Ucatt raise in regard to site access is a completely separate issue to these incidents and we are in continuing dialogue with them to address their concerns regarding positive engagement.”
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