WORKERS at Svitzer Terminals are being balloted for industrial action over sick pay, their union announced today. 

The RMT says it has received multiple reports of management misapplying contractual sick pay at the firm, which provides towage services for the ExxonMobil refinery in Fawley.

In one case, a member was reportedly forced to give sick pay back to their employer, RMT said.

The union claimed that Svitzer has breached long-established collective agreements and failed to uphold sick pay provisions its members are contractually entitled to.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Svitzer’s refusal to resolve this matter shows a complete disregard for their staff and for collective bargaining agreements with us.

“We will not stand by while our members are denied their most basic contractual rights.

“If the employer does not come to their senses, then industrial action cannot be ruled out.”

A Svitzer spokesperson said: “Svitzer is compliant with the contract as it was. But we are open to further discussions with RMT if needed.”