Subcontractors consulting solicitors about legal validity of picket line and level of intimidation against workers


Picket pressure: Subcontractors want the GMB to call off its action
Picket pressure: Subcontractors want the GMB to call off its action


Subcontractors at Wembley stadium have threatened to sue the GMB over a picket line at the site.

They say that the union is not entitled to have an official picket because it no longer has any members working there. The pickets are protesting against 200 steel workers being sacked last month.

The subcontractors claim some of their workers have been intimidated by pickets. The firms also point out that the other union involved, Amicus, has refused to endorse action by its members.

M&E contractor Phoenix electrical claims that some of its lorries have been stopped and drivers have been harassed by pickets trying to stop steel being delivered.

It is understood that seven trade contractors have consulted solicitors to warn the GMB about the picket, to ascertain whether it is official and to complain about the alleged activities of some pickets.

Bryan Ingram, the Wembley project director at Phoenix, said the actions of the pickets could lead to his firm being in breach of its contract with Multiplex. He said some workers would not cross the picket line because they believed, incorrectly in his view, that it was a legitimate official picket.

He said: “We are in dispute with the GMB over this issue, but I don’t want to blow this out of proportion and for this to escalate into a war.

But let’s be clear, this is a great project. We have been making amazing progress and have been ahead of schedule.”

It is understood that Multiplex has asked the subcontractors to keep a record of their financial losses from the disruption in case of legal action.

Kelly Rogers, a GMB organiser, said the picket was official and that, Kevin Curran, GMB general secretary, had been on site to tell workers that their action would be supported.

Rogers said the picket had been lifted in an attempt to restart talks with Multiplex but the contractor had refused to hold negotiations.

She said: “The picket will resume and the lads there will continue to protest peacefully and with the union’s guidance.” Derek Simpson, general secretary of Amicus, is holding an inquiry into the events after members protested about the union not recognising the dispute.