The unions have not, however, withdrawn notice of industrial action which is due to commence on November 19. They have informed the company that this action will consist of a work to rule and overtime ban. This will probably result in all the company’s eight nuclear generators being forced to close down.Notice of a 24 hour all-out strike on November 29 has also been issued to the company.
Tony Aldous said "Going to conciliation will not stop the action. We believe the company’s motive for going to ACAS is to defer the action.
"The unions are by no means certain that conciliation will result in a meaningful outcome for their members but we are prepared to enter into the talks in a constructive frame of mind and hope that the company will make an improved offer."The unions are seeking an improvement on the company’s 1.8% pay offer. The average level of pay increases amongst electricity generators h this year has been 3.2%.
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Unions agree to conciliation but are not optimistic about outcome
Trade union negotiators led by Prospect national officer Tony Aldous have agreed to British Energy’s request to ask ACAS to conciliate in their dispute.