A pay dispute involving around 300 Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy wind turbine workers in Hull has been called off after trade union Unite secured a deal.
The workers, who construct 108-metre-long wind turbine blades by hand, voted by 93% to accept the two-year pay deal of 4.5% for 2024 and 3.9% for 2025.
The deal was secured without the need for industrial action following constructive negotiations with the company, according to Unite.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “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 said in a statement: “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 strike threat began after Unite said since 2018, wages at the factory on the banks of the Humber estuary have dropped by 11.9% in real terms.
This is due to below RPI inflation pay rises and the suppression of wages through a performance related bonus scheme, it argued.
The workers were being balloted for strike action until July 24, with strikes set to be scheduled shortly after.
Industrial action would have severely impacted operations at the plant and would cause significant disruption to the construction of the East Anglia 3 and Moray West offshore wind farms, said Unite.