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Unite win at Bosch Rexroth
Workers at construction engineering parts firm have secured a major jobs, pay and conditions victory writes Keith Hatch.
Over 280 Bosch Rexroth workers based in Glenrothes, Fife, have accepted a four per cent pay increase.
The German owned company also removed the threat of redundancies, fire and rehire practices and short-term working, following strike action by the workers during the festive period.
In December, the Bosch Rexroth workers had emphatically rejected moves by the company to drastically cut monthly pay through changes to short-term working patterns, with a ballot for strike action supported by 95 per cent of Unite’s membership.
Unite negotiators praised the role of the conciliation service Acas as being significant to Bosch Rexroth dropping its pay cut plans.
Bosch Rexroth is a subsidiary of Bosch and has made profits after tax of over £36m in the last four years.
Unite industrial officer, the late George Ramsay said, “We are pleased that Bosch Rexroth finally listened to its skilled and dedicated workers by removing the threat to slash pay and job security.
“Unite has also been able to secure a decent pay rise for the workers which was only possible because of the determination of our members to stand firm.”
Since this article was written, George Ramsay has sadly passed away. We send condolences to all who knew him.
Jason Poulter National officer
UNITE PROTECTING OUR MEMBERS
Working in construction can be dangerous, presenting a range of hazards which must be managed as a priority to ensure workers safety. Unite Construction continues to be involved in awareness raising campaigns for the dangers of silicosis and issues around musculoskeletal disorder (MSD).
Regarding silicosis, Unite has joined with Thompsons Solicitors in calling for a ban on the use of engineered stone, the cause of the recent explosion of silicosis cases in construction. I would encourage everyone to find out about the campaign and add your voice to demands to have this material, and the killer dust it produces, banned.
Headlining this issue is how Unite Construction members have been backing Unite’s Prostate Cancer campaign and highlighting the vital importance of getting tested. Unite has produced a fantastic toolkit full of information and resources, and branches have been holding events and donating funds to support initiatives that can save lives.
Sadly, women working in construction are still experiencing high levels of sexual harassment, and a recent survey for Unite’s Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment campaign, makes depressing reading. Nearly a third of women in the sector reported being sexually harassed at work, with the number experiencing unwanted flirting, gesturing, sexual remarks or being the recipient of sexually offensive jokes much higher.
This is totally unacceptable. Unite stands with our women members and expects all Unite members to show respect for colleagues and share the message that harassment has no place at work.
Result – major deal at Bosch Rexroth 5 unite buildingWORKER Spring 2026
Finally, the spring is here, so now is the time to start preparing for the summer, and the possibility of another year of extreme heat. Unite has been campaigning for a maximum working temperature and issued guidance to reps. Make sure your workplace has procedures in place to keep colleagues safe when the mercury starts to rise. If you have any concerns talk to your Unite rep.
• See pages 14-15, 16-17, 18-19, 20-23, 30-31
uniteBUILDINGWORKER Comment
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