Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
A dispute over lorry drivers’ pay could further threaten the availability of cement, the union Unite has warned.
Lorry drivers employed by Hanson Cement on contracts issued when they were employed by Castle Cement are holding a strike ballot which opens this Friday (September 10th) in a dispute over pay. The 200 plus driver who are members of Unite have already rejected a pay increase of 2.5%.
If they vote for strike action, then it could begin this October.
Unite national officer Adrian Jones said: “Our members are simply not going to accept a pay offer which amounts to a pay cut in real terms. With the ongoing driver shortage, our members are seeking a pay increase which recognises their hard work and dedication. If strikes do occur then it will have major implications for the construction industry. Supplies of cement will quickly run out, which will result in projects being delayed.”
