As previously reported, subcontractor Redhall engineering was thrown off the job on 11 March and 400 workers were locked out. Redhall reckoned they should have been transferred under TUPE regulations to the replacement contractor. Client Vivergo Fuels and project manager Aker Process denied any responsibility for them.
Scaffolders employed by Deborah Services and the electricians employed by SEC Electrical have been laid off on pay awaiting a return to work on the Vivergo site. The Redhall employees are not being paid and if theysign on for job seekers allowance they risk losing any TUPE entitlement. They have been offered a £3,000 pay-off by Redhall but have refused, preferring to be transferred to new contractors and continue the job.
GMB organisers said that sacked workers are being joined today by union colleagues from North Lincolnshire refineries Lindsay and ConocoPhillips, Pembroke power station in Wales and Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in Nottinghamshire
Keith Gibson of the GMB said: "We will have upwards of 1,000 people coming down. They are joining us in solidarity because this could have wider implications for workers everywhere. The workers have been locked out and this could happen to others anywhere in the country."
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