14.01.2026

UK tower crane operator strike

Crane operators employed by Wolffkran UK that belong to the Unite union have voted to stage a series of one day strikes starting later this month.

The first 24-hour strike is currently scheduled for Tuesday, January 27th and then every two weeks thereafter.
Between 80 and 90 operators are said to be involved, with the issue related to the level of pay increases over the past three years. The two parties are, we understand, still talking, with hopes on both sides to reach an agreement before the first strike takes place.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is completely unacceptable that highly skilled and vital construction workers have not seen their pay increase in three years. To add insult to injury, Wolffkran is now attacking workers’ conditions.”

Unite regional officer Vince McCoy added: “These workers are doing a difficult, dangerous and highly stressful role. Without a pay raise for more than three years, and are furious that the company is now also seeking to cut some of their additional benefits, including standby payments. They have finally reached the end of their patience and are now resorting to taking strike action. We urge Wolffkran to come back with an improved offer.”

Wolffkran was asked if it wished to make a statement or comment it said: “We have no comment to make at this point”