Siemens Energy has expressed surprise over a union's decision to ballot Siemens Gamesa staff in Hull, England, for potential strike action amidst ongoing negotiations over pay.
Responding to Unite's announcement of a strike ballot, Siemens Energy told reNEWS, “We are in ongoing negotiations with Unite and are therefore surprised by the timing of this communication. We believe that negotiation is the best way to resolve any disagreement and are confident that we can reach agreement before any further action is taken.”
Unite, which initiated the ballot due to discontent over a 4.5% pay increase offer and concerns about an incentive scheme, highlighted a significant decline in real wages at the Hull factory since 2018.
“Siemens is a colossally profitable company, yet wages at its Hull factory have fallen in real terms year on year,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. “The company is using the bonus scheme to suppress wages and the workforce have had enough.”
The union emphasized that workers' wages have dropped by 11.9% in real terms due to below RPI inflation pay rises and the impact of the performance-related bonus scheme.
Unite's regional co-ordinating officer Harriet Eisner warned of potential disruption to Siemens Gamesa's clients involved in critical offshore wind farm projects like East Anglia 3 and Moray West.
“There is still time to avoid industrial action, but that requires an offer from the company that is acceptable to our members,” Eisner added.
Siemens Energy acknowledged the potential impact of strikes on operations, particularly affecting ongoing wind farm constructions, stating their commitment to resolving the dispute through negotiation.
The ballot for strike action is scheduled until July 24, with Unite indicating that strikes could follow shortly after if an agreement is not reached.
