Unite welcomes commitment to withdraw controversial contracts
Britain’s largest union, Unite, has welcomed the news that the Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association (HVCA) has withdrawn its proposal for a Building Engineering Services National Agreement (BESNA).
The move sees the withdrawal of controversial contracts which would have seen the imposition of new semi-skilled grades outside of existing Joint Industry Boards agreements.
The new contracts would have led to pay cuts of up to 30% and poorer terms and conditions for key construction staff.
Following the news, Unite has confirmed that it would not be pursuing further industrial action or protests against the seven construction firms involved.
The agreement by the five remaining companies follows the earlier withdrawal of the BESNA contracts by Balfour Beatty Engineering Services and NG Bailey. The HVCA statement can be found in the notes to editors.
Welcoming the news, Unite general secretary, Len McCluskey said: “This is a welcome move and is down to the resolve of hard working construction workers. Disruption in the construction industry is in nobody’s interest. We look forward to talking seriously about how we can secure livelihoods and bring stability to the construction industry.”
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