500 Power‑Station Workers Threaten Strike Over Pay Cuts
On Monday the Unite union declared that more than 500 employees at the Dounreay nuclear facility in Thurso will walk off the job this week because the proposed pay package is basically a “real‑terms pay cut.”
What the Workers Were Offered
- One‑off bonus of £500
- Only a 4.5 % wage rise
- Resulting in a net loss when inflation is considered
The union said the offer is “a real terms pay cut” and that the staff, led by shop stewards, have overwhelmingly rejected it.
Key Union Voices
- Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary – “These workers are standing their ground and want better pay, better jobs, better conditions. We’re backing them every step of the way.”
- Marc Jackson – “NRS cannot keep offering cuts and expect cooperation. We’re looking at further days of industrial action if our members demand what they deserve.”
- Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland senior organiser – “They’re offering a pay cut, not a raise. Managers claim they’re following civil service rules, but they’re not all playing by the same field.”
Union Schedule
- Wednesday – Walkout begins
- Thursday – Overtime ban in force
- May 29 – Planned follow‑up strike
NRS Response
The company’s spokesperson expressed disappointment but pledged to keep the site safe and compliant, claiming they’re working on “fair and affordable” solutions.
Why We Care
Below the steel and concrete of the Dounreay plant lies a story about people who want fair compensation. Their fight is a reminder that real–terms pay cuts are not just numbers—they’re the difference between someone’s savings and their future.
