Power station construction workers strike over pay

Dozens of construction staff (pictured) picketed the Sheffield Road site this morning (Thursday), stopping traffic between Sheffield and Rotherham.

The strikers - members of the UCATT, GMB and Unite unions - later joined junior doctors picketing at Rotherham Hospital.

Ged Dempsey, union convenor for Unite, said the protest was “against exploitation”.

He claimed bosses were “undercutting national agreement pay rates by £10 per hour” and “undermining health and safety” on site.

The criticism was aimed at Danish contractors Babcock and Wilcox Volund and British firm Interserve.

It was the third time workers have protested at the site.

An Interserve spokesman said: “We are disappointed that protests have been called at the Templeborough Biomass Power Plant again.

“We comply with UK legislation on pay and generally use UK contractors and UK supply chain partners on these projects.

“We have discussed the matter with the unions and will continue to work with them to try and find a solution that is acceptable to everyone.”

The Advertiser has also contacted Babcock and Wilcox Volund for comment.