Building a strong future

Construction workers will have one powerful union voice on their side fighting for them from January 1, 2017 as members of UCATT voted by 85.5 per cent to merge with Unite today (Wednesday 2).

The landmark move sees UCATT and Unite’s construction membership combining to form one union for the construction industry.

“This is a historic moment for the construction industry and the men and women who work in it,” said Len McCluskey, Unite general secretary.

“From January 2017, construction workers will for the first time have one united powerful union on their side at work,” he added.

Heralding the move, both unions put bad bosses on notice, saying their combined resources and expertise would zero in on ending bogus self-employment and stopping firms indulging in a race to the bottom by undercutting pay, terms and conditions.

 

Bad bosses beware

 

“Bad bosses and construction firms employing sharp practices should beware,” warned McCluskey.

“Our new combined industrial voice will be used to defend the rights of construction workers across the UK and to campaign for secure decent jobs which pay the rate for the job,” he added.

With major infrastructure projects either coming on stream or in the pipeline, the unions said the move would also give construction workers a powerful voice in pressing for a joined up industrial strategy, securing good quality jobs and dramatically boosting the number of proper apprenticeships.

UCATT acting general secretary Brian Rye echoed the enthusiasm at the move.

Good news

 

“By joining with Unite, the industrial muscle of all construction workers will double overnight, which is good news for all members,” said Rye.

“Employers are going to have to get used to dealing with one voice and understand that shoddy and underhand practices including dismissing workers without warning, exploiting workers by paying them via agencies or umbrella companies and ignoring key safety laws will not be tolerated and will be exposed,” added Rye.

Over the coming weeks Unite and UCATT will be finalising details ahead of UCATT’s formal transfer to Unite on January 1, 2017.

“I look forward to working with our new colleagues and welcoming UCATT members into the Unite family,” said McCluskey.

“Together we will be strong progressive voice for Britain’s construction workers and their industry,” he added.