24/08/2017

Catering Staff At Fawley Oil Refinery To Take Strike Action

Catering staff working for Baxterstorey at the Fawley oil refinery canteen in Hampshire are set to strike for the first time on Friday 25 August in a dispute over a below inflation 1.5 per cent pay offer, according to Unite the union.

The 18 strong female workforce who cater for up to 1,000 workers in a safety critical environment at the refinery will be walking out for 24 hours from 00:01 hours Friday 25 August and for a further 24 hours on Tuesday 29 August.

With more 24 hour walkouts planned for Friday 01 September and Tuesday 04 September, Unite called on Baxterstorey bosses to get back around the negotiating table, warning that they risked escalating the dispute if they sought to bus in staff to cover the striking workers.

Unite regional officer Mick Pollek said: "Catering staff at Fawley oil refinery play an important role in keeping refinery workers fed and watered in a safety critical work environment.

"Strike action is not a step they take lightly, but after seeing their pay fall in real terms and a refusal by Baxterstorey to improve on its pitiful offer, this often overlooked group of workers has decided to take a stand for better pay.

"Baxterstorey should not underestimate the determination of our members and would be wise to get back around the negotiating table to avoid a further escalation of this dispute."

(CD)

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