16.08.2018

Ainscough calls off pay talks

UK rental company Ainscough Crane Hire has suspended pay talks with the Unite union after the union issued a public threat just prior to the resumption of negotiations today.

The union's press release entitled 'Construction facing autumn of anarchy as crane drivers prepare for strike action' simply restated what it had already said in previous releases but added the provocation that it was already 'preparing to ballot its members for industrial action and that anarchy would follow', clearly looking to apply pressure through Ainscough’s major customers prior to the meeting.

Bernard McAulay of the union is quoted: “The construction industry need to start making plans for an autumn of anarchy if Ainscough don’t make a substantially improved pay offer.”

An Ainscough company statement said that while it had been in discussions with Unite for many months regarding working arrangements “it was pleased that Unite had recognised the need for change.”

“Unite chose to comment publicly on Monday 13 August whilst discussions were still taking place and further meetings planned. Regrettably, as a result of Unite’s actions we have lost confidence that continuing our discussions would lead to a negotiated agreement. Ainscough Crane Hire was left with no option but to withdraw its proposals and discontinue talks. We remain focused on delivering great customer service and continuing as an employer of choice.”

Ainscough has offered a 4.5 percent increase but wants to change the way the crane operators work, in terms of overtime and travel allowances etc, which the union claims would result in many of those working for 50 hours or more receiving a pay cut. The company went through a series of strikes in in early 2016 which came to an end with very little having changed

Vertikal Comment

The Unite press release on Monday was clearly a crass and crude attempt to apply pressure, both commercial and political to the Ainscough management. To do this just two days before both parties were set to resume talks was a clear and ‘cack handed’ provocation, and one can understand why Ainscough called off the meeting.

However, on the other hand the two parties have been talking for eight months and appear to have made little progress. That fact that it is possible to talk for eight months without finding a solution or developing some sort of report or understanding is a damning indictment on both parties.

Normally a stalemate situation such as this would result in the employer talking directly and openly with the workforce to find a workable solution. However anecdotal evidence seems to indicate that many employees have not been persuaded of the management’s ideas for the future, and do not have the faith or confidence in the management to give it the benefit of the doubt. While many employees have no belief in the union’s abilities or motives they seem prepared to let the whole comic opera run on in the hope that something good will eventually come of it.

Hopefully talks will resume after a short cooling off period and will finally result in a sensible compromise for the employees and the health of the business on which they depend.