Unions inform government minister of industrial action

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Unions inform government minister of industrial action

Unions representing staff in British Energy have written to Brian Wilson, Minister of State for Industry and Energy, informing him that industrial action will commence at British Energy Generation at 09.00 on 19 November 2001. This action will shut down the company’s eight plants which produce 25% of the country’s electricity.



The letter requests Brian Wilson to put in place contingency plans to ensure that other UK generators make up the shortfall so that electricity consumers do not suffer any loss of supply.

The unions also assure the minister that they will work closely with the company to ensure nuclear safety and security is not compromised.

Members of all five unions – AEEU, GMB, Prospect, TGWU and UNISON – voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action.

The unions point out that British Energy is responsible for the dispute. The letter states:

"The company have demonstrated, at meetings, that they have the money to settle the dispute. They are refusing to do so. As a result of their attitude to staff (who have loyally cut costs, increased productivity and seen no drop in workload) many are now leaving thereby reducing the company’s ability to meet the challenges ahead and are also reducing the UK’s nuclear expertise."

"We, and the staff, have campaigned tirelessly and effectively for the company and the nuclear industry", the letter continues. "We have to question the motives of a senior management team who refuse to listen to the message their staff have given them with this ballot result."