Workers at Drax power station walkout in first of nine strikes over pay
More than 180 staff at the plant in Selby will walkout nine times over the next three months
Last updated 20th Feb 2023
Staff at the Drax power plant in Selby are walking out in a row over pay, their first strike in a series of nine days of industrial action.
180 members of the Unite Union have agreed to join picket lines after rejecting an 8% pay offer.
The union says that could lead to some power supplies being disrupted, although Drax insists it has plans in place.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is a classic case of greed by a company which is already generating eye-watering profits. Drax is cynically seeking to boost its bonanza profits further by forcing workers to take a real terms pay cut.
"Unite is now totally focused on the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and the workers at Drax will be receiving the union's complete support."
A Drax spokesperson 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."