Solidarity against silica
Members of the construction national sector committee (NISC) gathered outside London’s Moreland Street office to show support and solidarity with the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and its Stop deadly dust campaign (pictured right).
Delegates at the meeting also heard a presentation from Thompsons Solicitors about the dangers of silica dust and how the union is working to protect workers.
Construction national officer Jason Poulter said, “Silica and wood dust can be deadly for people working in construction.
“It’s vital that workplaces provide proper PPE and training to workers, and that they have Unite health and safety reps on site to support members and raise issues if they do occur.
“This campaign is very important and I would encourage people to check out the Unite website and find out more about the deadly impact that silica dust can have.”
• See more about the dangers of silica dust on pages 2, 15 to 17.
Support is just a call away
Unite has launched a new mental health support package to help reps who sometimes feel they are struggling with the heavy burden of helping colleagues and fellow members, writes Keith Hatch.
The free new package offers confidential help and advice to reps and their families from fully qualified mental health professionals and is available 24/7 at the end of the phone.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “I know that the life of a rep can be really rewarding and fulfilling. But I also know that it can be tough for you and for your loved ones. That’s why we have now developed a free,
dedicated mental health support programme for all Unite reps and their immediate families.”
In this video the general secretary introduces the Mental Health Support & Assistance Programme, and it includes interviews with reps talking about the benefits of the support programme.
find out more
Scan the QR code to view our mental health support programme video
Tunnellers settle tax dispute
A row over unpaid taxes that threatened to escalate into strike action at Hinkley Point C has been resolved thanks to hard work by Unite reps and officers at the Somerset nuclear building site.
Workers with TG Tunneling Ltd (TGT) stopped work in February over a dispute around the allowances agency workers receive for lodgings at the huge site.
Through no fault of their own, staff found themselves liable for unpaid taxes, due to TGT, unlike other labour suppliers at the project, not deducting tax from lodging allowances. The practice led to TGT employees being chased by HM Revenue & Customs for back dated taxes that would see them facing a rise in their tax bills.
This was unacceptable and resulted in an escalating dispute, with over 200 workers at HPC voting to go on strike this April.
7 unite buildingWORKER Autumn 2025
However, following intervention by Unite officers an agreement was reached that saw the workers’ tax bills being paid for by the employer.
Steve Preddy, regional secretary with Unite South West said, “Following a clear mandate for strike action at HPC among members at TG tunnelling an agreement to fund the £2m tax liability bill April to August 2024 was reached.”
Though resolved for the time being, Steve acknowledged that further potential for disagreement may arise, and will be discussed by the parties going forward.
Steve added, “I commend the work of regional officer Heathcliffe Pettifer and workplace representatives, who have led negotiations with the client, contractors and others, leading to our members’ acceptance of the offer and ending the threat of strike action.”
Mark Thomas
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