More than 30 workers have been suspended from the Johnson
Matthey's hydrogen gigafactory construction site in Hertfordshire
for refusing to accept worsening dangerous conditions.
Workers are also angry that contractors BGEN and Bilfinger are
disregarding mental as well as physical health, following the
companies' inadequate response to two separate on site suicides.
The safety breaches include: No running water or heating, no cold
weather PPE and inadequate ventilation despite the grinding of
paint containing carcinogens.
The site was shutdown by the operators for two weeks due to the
health and safety concerns; however the issues have not only not
been resolved but are worsening.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham
said: “There is something seriously wrong with
the way the Johnson Matthey's site is being run. Workers are
being put in danger with their mental and physical health being
totally disregarded by Johnson Matthey, BGEN and
Bilfinger.
“The HSE needs to be on site now to launch an urgent
investigation as well as Unite given access to the site to
support members. Unite will not rest until the workforce's
concerns are addressed.”
BGEN and Bilfinger are refusing to allow union access on site and
two workplace reps have been suspended.
Unite understands Johnson Matthey has instructed BGEN and
Bilfinger to union bust, despite both companies being part of the
National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry.
The £80 million government backed project will produce hydrogen
battery components for electric vehicles when it is completed.
Unite national officer Jason Poulter said: “The
suspension of these workers for refusing to accept blatant and
dangerous health and safety breaches and inadequate mental health
support in the wake of two tragic suicides is
abhorrent.
“The only way to resolve this situation is for the
workers to be reinstated, the union busting to stop and for the
employers to listen to the workers and their unions and to take
action on their concerns. Unite will use every avenue and
resource at its disposal until that happens.”
