Row centres on disputed bonus payments

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Strike action proposed for today at Balfour Beatty’s Woolwich Crossrail site has been suspended.

A spokesperson from trade union told Building that the industrial action had been called off to allow for new talks.

The site has already been hit by three 24 hour strikes since the turn of the year with the dispute centring on improved pay and a finishing bonus – which is triggered when workers are laid off as the job comes to an end.

Union Unite said it has taken the action because Balfour Beatty has refused to pay an improved second tier payment as well as the finishing bonus.

The ongoing dispute involves 76 electricians employed by the contractor’s M&E arm, Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick, on the job.

Workers took their third day of strike action last Wednesday (pictured) following previous strikes last month. Further action had been planned for today and next week. 

Speaking before news of today’s strike was called off, a Balfour Beatty spokesperson said: “Balfour Beatty engaged fully with Unite to negotiate and agree a productivity bonus for Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick’s workforce of electricians on Crossrail. Since then, Unite demanded a significant increase in the bonus level and a completion bonus.”

The Woolwich station (pictured), designed by architect Weston Williamson, is the penultimate stop on the Crossrail line in the east. Services from the station are due to be up and running this December.