Drax insist plans are in place to prevent power cuts when staff go on strike
The Unite Union had claimed the walk out would mean the site would have to shut down
Last updated 8th Feb 2023
Managers at Drax power station say they will still be able to generate electricity, even when 180 of their workers go on strike.
Staff at the site near Selby are planning a series of walk outs in a row over pay.
The Unite Union say the action will mean power cuts across the UK. Unite regional officer Shane Sweeting said: “The strike action at Drax will inevitably cause considerable strain on the national grid but this dispute is completely of the company’s own making. Drax has had every opportunity to make our members a fair offer, but it has repeatedly failed to do so.”
But Drax insist they've got plans in place to keep generating electricity for millions of homes and businesses.
In a statement the company said: “In the event of industrial action, Drax has robust plans in place to ensure the power station continues to safely generate renewable electricity for millions of homes and businesses. We have put forward a generous full and final pay settlement which rewards our valued colleagues with a significant pay rise worth 10% and a £2,000 lump sum.
“We are deeply disappointed that Unite is planning to go forward with this unnecessary action which will see colleagues lose money instead of securing a significant pay rise. Drax remains open to dialogue with Unite to avoid industrial action. There are three trade unions representing colleagues at Drax Power Station and this offer has been accepted by Prospect, while GMB has stated it will not be taking industrial action.”
Unite has announced an initial nine days of strike action with strikes taking place on 20 and 27 February, then 6, 13, 20, 27 March and 4, 10 and 17 April.