Altrad Sellafield strikes off as workers celebrate huge pay win

Long-running strikes by Altrad Services workers producing steam for Sellafield have been called off following an improved pay offer.

The workers, who are responsible for access and maintenance of the Fellside site which produces steam for the wider Sellafield site next door, began strike action in October.

They voted last week to accept an offer from Altrad that will see the company register to work with the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) to set annual pay rates.

Engineering construction workers at Fellside will see their annual wages increase between £1,100 and £6,000 from April 2025 due to coming under NAECI grades.

Meanwhile, painters and supervisors will receive pay increases from April 2025 of 7.5 per cent and 11 per cent respectively – worth between £2,700 and £4,900 for each worker depending on pay grade. These workers will come under a local recognition agreement that will see annual pay rises equal to those set by NAECI.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Well done to Unite’s members and reps at Fellside – without their hard work and solidarity this huge pay win could not have been secured. This is another excellent example of how Unite’s complete commitment to improving jobs, pay and conditions is delivering for our members.”

The deal also includes agreements on back pay, allowances and incentive bonus arrangements.

Unite regional officer Ryan Armstrong said: “This is an excellent deal achieved after our members stood together. Those wanting better wages and working lives should join Unite and organise their colleagues to join too.”