Sellafield Strikes:

Sellafield hit by further wave of strikes as 3,000 workers walk out

The strike will take place from 6.01am on Wednesday until 5.59am on ThursdayPhoto: PA

Sellafield is being hit by another wave of industrial action today, with 3,000 GMB union members there on strike – for the third time.

The walk out is part of a long-running dispute over pay and will last from 6.01am on Wednesday 29 November until 5.59am on Thursday 30 November.

It follows a 3-year offer from Sellafield management which GMB says ‘does not meet the expectations of the workforce.’

The dispute began in July when the company imposed a below inflation 1.5% pay increase.

In a separate dispute, around 300 catering staff employed by Mitie, will strike during the same time.

Members in both disputes will picket at gates around the site from the start of strike and throughout Wednesday.

The GMB Senior Organiser said:

Neither Sellafield or Mitie members want to take industrial action – but they have been left with no choice by their respective managements.

All our members want is a pay offer which at least keeps up with inflation – so they can afford to put food on their families’ tables as inflation and the cost of living go up and up.

We urge Sellafield and Mitie to get round the table and negotiate a fair deal for everyone.”

– CHRIS JUKES, GMB SENIOR ORGANISER

Sellafield management say the facility’s safety and security is a priority during walkouts:

The safety and security of the Sellafield site are our priorities during any industrial action. As always, we will work with other agencies to try to minimise disruption for the public.”

– SELLAFIELD LTD

Firefighters at the nuclear site are due to 12 hour strike tomorrow.

Last updated Wed 29 Nov 2017