Harland & Wolff calls strike action at Methil 'illegal'
By Josh White
Date: Friday 17 Jun 2022
(Sharecast News) - Harland & Wolff Group updated on labour relations at Harland & Wolff Methil on Friday, confirming that it has not yet recognised any trade union at the Methil facility.
The AIM-traded firm said it had "made it abundantly clear" that it was keen to recognise unions and enter into negotiations on the collective bargaining agreement with the workforce, similar to the successful agreement it reached with unions at Harland & Wolff Belfast.
It claimed that, despite stating its position "in no uncertain terms", the local representatives of the GMB and Unite unions had "unilaterally decided" to call a "wildcat strike" of the workforce in Methil.
The company said it had sought legal advice, and determined that due process had not been followed, meaning the strike action was "illegal".
Harland & Wolff said it was committed to recognising trade unions, and maintaining "excellent" labour relations.
It said it would continue discussions with the local trade union representatives to reach a mutually-agreed position, and start negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement "as quickly as possible".
The company said wages of the local workforce had been paid on time, and would continue to be paid in line with their respective employment contracts.
"It is most unfortunate that the local representatives of the trade unions have taken this sort of strike action unilaterally," said group chief executive officer John Wood.
"This kind of militant action does not help any party - the company, the workforce or the client.
"As a group that operates across the UK, we believe that trade unions should be recognised and collective bargaining agreements should be negotiated in good faith."
However, Wood said there was a process to be followed, adding that "illegal, unjustified strike action" achieved "very little".
"The company is engaged in constructive dialogue at all levels with the trade unions and will seek to reach mutual agreement as quickly as possible."
At 1144 BST, shares in Harland & Wolff Group Holdings were down 0.18% at 13.6p.
Reporting by Josh White at Sharecast.com.
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