Construction engineers secure 4.5% pay rise after industrial action threat

Thousands of engineering construction workers across the UK are set to receive a pay rise of 4.5% from May, following a revised deal negotiated by Unite.

The agreement, which was narrowly accepted by around 3,000 workers covered under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI), represents an increase from the initially proposed 3.6% offer that had been rejected earlier this year.

The workers, who are responsible for essential repair and maintenance work at oil refineries, power stations and pharmaceutical and petrochemical plants, will see their wages increase by approximately £2,000 on average as part of the deal.

The improved offer came after Unite initiated steps towards industrial action at key sites across the UK, including EDF Torness, Sizewell B, Grangemouth, Drax, Stanlow ESSAR and GSK Montrose.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: “Due to the deal passing by a slim majority, Unite is now seeking to open negotiations for 2027 pay with the employers’ side as soon as possible. Unite never rests in the fight to keep improving our members’ jobs, terms and conditions.”

Jason Poulter, national officer for construction at Unite, said: “Unite will continue to grow our industrial strength in construction, so that we can keep delivering wins for workers across the sector.”