Crossrail strike

The multi-billion pound Crossrail development is set for further delays as Unite, the UK’s construction union, has announced further strikes on the Woolwich section of the project, in an escalating dispute over the non-payment of industry standard project completion payments.

The dispute involves 80 electricians who are employed by Balfour Beatty.

Unite has announced four new 24 hour strike dates throughout February. The four strikes will take place on 7, 14, 21 and 28 of next month. Each strike will begin at 6am with picket lines in place.

An initial 24 hour strike was held last week (January 10). This was the first time industrial action had occurred on Crossrail, causing widespread disruption at the Woolwich site and on other related sections of the project.

The dispute is a result of workers seeking an improved second tier payment and a four week finishing bonus, which is payable when workers are made redundant.

“Our members are simply seeking payments which are standard practice in the industry on this type of project and which ensure that workers do not suffer financial losses when they are made redundant as the project reaches completion,” said Unite regional officer Guy Langston.

“A single day’s strike has already created delays on the project and increased industrial action will create widespread disruption throughout Crossrail.

As a consequence of the initial 24-hour strike Balfour Beatty has now agreed to meet Unite this Friday (January 19) about the dispute.