After a prolonged five-year negotiation, unions have successfully gained access to HS2 London tunnel sites, marking a significant victory for worker representation and safety.
- The agreement permits union officials from Unite and GMB to engage with workers at the Euston site during breaks and inductions.
- This development establishes access agreements for Unite with all HS2 joint ventures, including SCS and its counterparts.
- Concerns over SCS’s safety record have been significant, with past incidents highlighting the need for dedicated union safety representatives.
- The unyielding efforts of the unions underscore a commitment to improving workplace conditions and addressing employment issues comprehensively.
After a five-year struggle, an agreement has been reached granting unions access to HS2 London tunnel sites. This breakthrough allows union officials from Unite and GMB to visit workers at the Euston site, where they can discuss employment matters during rest periods and attend induction sessions. The achievement marks a significant milestone in enhancing worker representation within the construction industry.
Unite has now secured access agreements with all the major HS2 joint ventures, including BBVS, Align, EKFB, and Mace-Dragados, in addition to SCS. The agreement with SCS, a joint venture between Skanska, Costain, and Strabag, comes amid ongoing criticism regarding safety practices on site. The necessity for union safety representatives has become increasingly evident following incidents such as the one involving a worker being struck by falling clay.
National officer Jerry Swain from Unite has highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures, describing the project’s situation as “crying out for union safety reps.” Meanwhile, Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, commended the persistence of construction members whose efforts have culminated in this essential access agreement. This agreement empowers workers to freely consult union officials concerning employment and safety concerns.
The SCS tunnelling contract was initially valued at £4.1bn as of December 2023. However, Skanska disclosed an additional £50m payment for its role in the HS2 project, revealing the project’s evolving financial aspects. The long and challenging campaign was underscored by Vince Passfield, Unite’s regional coordinating officer, who assured that workers’ employment concerns will now be promptly addressed.
HS2 Ltd, tasked with managing the megaproject’s construction, maintains a separate trade union agreement with the Trades Union Congress. Their spokesperson affirmed the organisation’s dedication to collaboration with trade unions, underlining a commitment to constructing a high-speed railway that is both safe and inclusive.
The union’s success in securing access to HS2 sites underscores the critical role of organised labour in promoting safety and worker representation.
