A pay dispute involving approximately 300 Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy wind turbine workers in Hull has been resolved after trade union Unite secured a deal. The workers, who manually construct 108-meter-long wind turbine blades, voted 93% in favor of a two-year pay agreement, which includes a 4.5% raise for 2024 and a 3.9% increase for 2025.
The agreement was reached without the need for industrial action, following constructive negotiations with the company, according to Unite.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham commented, “Well done to our reps and members at Siemens Gamesa who secured this deal by standing together in their union. This deal shows that Unite's relentless focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is paying dividends for our members.”
Siemens Gamesa stated, “We are pleased negotiations have led to a positive outcome and we can continue to focus on the important role we play together, delivering on the UK's energy transition.”
The dispute emerged after Unite reported that wages at the Humber estuary factory had decreased by 11.9% in real terms since 2018, due to below RPI inflation pay rises and the suppression of wages through a performance-related bonus scheme.
Workers were being balloted for strike action until July 24, with potential strikes expected to follow shortly after. Unite indicated that industrial action would have significantly disrupted operations at the plant and impacted the construction of the East Anglia 3 and Moray West offshore wind farms.
