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Construction pay strikes will delay orders of concrete blocks, Unite says

CONSTRUCTION workers are to strike for four days, shutting down production at a Tarmac site, in a dispute over pay, the Unite union said today.

More than 30 workers at the group’s Alfreton Blocks Plant in Derbyshire will walk out for four days next month after rejecting a 4 per cent offer.

Unite says the action will cause a shortage of the aerated concrete blocks they produce for construction projects.

The workers are demanding an improved pay offer to keep pace with the cost-of-living crisis and eligibility for bonuses offered to colleagues at other sites.

They have also asked for an increase in the shift allowance and double time for bank holiday working, as well complaining about a poor working culture.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is completely unacceptable that these workers are paid less than colleagues at other sites and have been left struggling with the cost-of-living crisis while their employer makes such large profits.”

A Tarmac spokesperson said: “Numerous meetings have taken place with union representatives, and concerns raised by employees have been addressed or acted upon.

“Production will not be shut down as robust contingency plans are in place so there will be no disruption for customers.”

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