Sellafield construction workers strike over pay allowances

Industrial action has escalated at the Sellafield nuclear complex, with over 1,500 construction workers commencing a five-day strike over site-specific pay premiums. Led by the Unite trade union, the walkout, which began on 15 September and involves multiple trades operating under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) and Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) frameworks, is causing significant operational disruption. The core of the dispute centres on the Sellafield site allowance, which Unite argues lags behind remuneration packages at comparable major nuclear projects, notably Hinkley Point C. The union highlights that employers at Sellafield have declined to match the enhanced financial terms offered elsewhere, despite the highly skilled nature and inherent risks associated with nuclear site work. Unite's General Secretary, Sharon Graham, underscored the necessity for employers to acknowledge the specialised expertise required in such a challenging environment. While Sellafield Ltd maintains it is not directly involved in the contractor dispute, prioritising site safety and security, the ongoing industrial action, an escalation from a prior work-to-rule programme supported by a 90 per cent strike mandate, signals potential for further disruption. This situation presents a critical challenge for project management and workforce relations within the UK's vital nuclear infrastructure sector, underscoring the complexities of labour costs and competitive compensation in high-stakes construction environments. Read More