Unite set to hold talks tomorrow with Ainscough over pay increases for members who work at firm

Crane

Last ditch pay talks are set to take place tomorrow at crane hire company Ainscough, after members of the Unite union rejected a two-year pay deal.

Over 500 crane operators employed by the company, which hires cranes to construction firms, have rejected a two year pay deal increase of 1.5 per cent and 1.75 per cent.

Unite’s crane operator members working on major construction sites and projects across the UK, such as the M1 and M6 motorway upgrades and new Forth Road Bridge, say that haven’t ruled out balloting for industrial action should talks fail.

Unite national officer Bernard McAulay said: “Our members are highly skilled crane operators making safety critical decisions on a minute by minute basis. They have played a critical role in making Ainscough the success it is today and in keeping Britain building.

“The last thing our members want to be doing is balloting for industrial action, but they feel pushed to breaking point by a pitiful pay offer which fails to address excessive overtime.

“We would urge management to use the opportunity of these talks to hammer out a deal that recognises their valuable contribution and avoids the prospect of a damaging pay dispute.”