The 50 refractory workers are employed by contractor Tube City to undertake the maintenance of the furnaces and refractory work on torpedoes, ladles and vessels. Members took strike action on the 17th December last year after the company refused to make a pay offer for 2013.
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Following the initial strike the company offered a derisory pay offer of 10 pence an hour, which was entirely rejected by the membership. After UCATT made clear that further industrial action would take place, the company made an improved offer.
The improved pay offer from Tube City was a 1.2% increase for 2013, paid at 1% on back pay owed to the workers. The pay increase will be paid on all standard hours and overtime rates. After holding a workplace ballot members voted narrowly to accept the improved offer.
While the pay dispute for 2013 has finally been resolved, members have made clear that they will now be seeking a pay increase for 2014.
(CD/MH)
