Trade union Unite is ‘optimistic’ that agreement can be reached with contractors over pay for 500,000 workers

Construction worker

Stalled pay talks for 500,000 construction workers are expected to recommence this month, trade union Unite confirmed this week.

Contractors and unions signed up to the industry’s largest wage agreement, the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC), have been locked in dispute over workers’ pay since June. Unite rejected an initial offer of no improvement in pay in early June and a further offer of a 1.6% pay rise over two years later that month.

John Allott, Unite national officer, said unions and contractors would return to the negotiating table on 21 August.

He said he was “optimistic” that contractors would offer an improved pay package. “Our members are struggling with their bills and they deserve an increase,” he said.

Allott confirmed the union had discussed the possibility of industrial action if the wage talks were not resolved, but stressed the union was “looking to negotiate”.