BUILDINGWORKER Comment


Unite National Officers Jerry Swain and Jason Poulter write Great pay rises, great results –


welcome to the latest edition of buildingWORKER – bringing you the latest news and stories and proving without a shadow of doubt, that not only does it pays you to be in Unite, but that you can’t afford not to be.


And the year has begun with some important wins. Unite has negotiated an ‘outstanding’ deal for thousands of our NAECI members, with a significant 17.4 per cent deal over two years.


And in January 30 Unite members working for CBL Cables Contractors called off strike action after a resounding pay win – seeing the lowest paid workers’ wages rise by 22.8 per cent. Now that’s what we call the Unite effect.


But it’s not all plain sailing and good news. Loneliness and depression are sadly too common in our industries, and at Unite Construction we have a proud record of treating mental health issues with the same level of importance as any physical health issues caused by issues at work.


That’s why our ‘long read’ is about a new Unite health and safety campaign called Minds United. It’s packed with useful information and advice. Have a read – you’ll be glad you did.


We also meet Unite health and safety rep, Maria Boyle, from Hinkley Point C. Maria quite rightly


Jerry Swain National Officer


Jason Poulter National Officer


buildingWORKER. Published by Unite, 128 Theobalds Road, London, WC1X 8TN. Phone 0207 611 2500. Editor – Amanda Campbell Magazine enquiries and letters to the editor, by post, phone, or email amanda.campbell@unitetheunion.org Distribution enquiries Taylor Humphris 020 7611 2557. Available in alternative formats – call Unite for details


points out the blindingly obvious that women’s bodies are different to men’s. And yet, appropriate PPE that actually fits women is not provided – even though it leaves women unsafe and at risk of serious accidents. Unite is supporting Maria’s fight for safety equality.


Working in construction and its allied trades it’s important to understand the value of teamwork and cooperation. Solidarity is the cornerstone of the trade union movement. So we are particularly pleased by the landmark win for Unite and four members, dismissed by Murphy International, the Irish subsidiary of the Murphy Group.


Their ‘crime’? The Four were merely ‘guilty’ of seeking implementation of


nationally agreed travel and subsistence rates. They were sacked – and Unite picked up the mantle of the fight for justice. The campaign took off, then 14 months later victory came. It was a victory for union solidarity, says Tom Power of the Murphy Four. He adds it’s what they received from every region of Unite.


Solidarity is what makes us who we are. Read how we are working with our international colleagues to get the highest standards in health and safety, terms and conditions but to also fight issues that need us to stand together – like injustice and global warming.


It’s all here in these pages – and Unite is here to help when you need us.


4 Unite buildingWORKER Spring 2024


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