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WORKERS at Britain’s biggest oil refinery launched two weeks of strike action today over pay.
Fawley refinery at Southampton is owned by Esso Petroleum, which is part of the Exxon Mobil corporation and employs 1,000 workers.
The strike involves 100 members of general union GMB who work as boilermakers, welders, pipefitters, mechanical fitters and scaffolders by contractors Altrad, Bilfinger and Rhyal.
Last-minute talks failed to bring any proposals from the employers.
GMB organiser Bryan Hulley said: “Quite simply the employers are solely responsible for this walkout.
“The companies have had ample notice of the impending dispute to get around the table to negotiate.
“They have simply refused and have instead worked actively to undermine a solid and collective call for fair pay, considering the incredible cost-of-living rises over the last 12 months.
“Our message is simple we are easy to find as we will be stood at the gates of the refinery until such time as the game-playing stops and real negotiations begin.”
Esso Petroleum has been contacted for comment.
