Four thousand electricians, plumbers and maintenance staff based in prisons across England walked out on a 48-hour stoppage on Tuesday 31 August.

The operatives, all members of the four leading construction trade unions, downed tools and left their posts at 6 am, protesting against a “derisory” pay offer that they claim is worth just 1% in real terms.

Amicus national secretary John Allot commented on the walkout: “Our members are underpaid by their trade’s standard. All they are asking for is fairness and a decent living wage.”

The prison service countered, saying that the offer resulted in a pay increase of between 3% and 4% for all staff.

The strike affected Belmarsh prison in south London, and other establishments in Liverpool, Manchester, Durham, Winchester and Maidstone. It follows a similar one-day stoppage in May.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor