Huntsman chemical plant workers near Redcar vote to strike
No dates have been announced yet by Unite the Union
Staff at a chemical plant near Redcar have voted to strike amid staffing and safety concerns.
Unite the Union say measures to "dangerously" reduce staffing levels at the Huntsman Polyurethanes by not replacing retiring workers would leave the site "unsafe to operate."
Chemicals at the plant, such as aniline, can create toxic gases that can be harmful to people nearby.
Production Process Technicians (PPTs), who manage the Wilton site and are responsible for its safe shutdown in case of an emergency, have opted for industrial action.
Unite's regional coordinating officer Mark Sanderson said:
"Our members have listened to the company and proposed reasonable and safe accommodations to cut costs, which have been ignored.
"They have had absolutely no choice but to vote for strike action on the grounds of public safety. This dispute will continue to escalate until Huntsman stops these dangerous plans."
Huntsman say they are "disappointed" by the vote, and will maintain an open dialogue to ensure worker's safety and the plant's long-term competitiveness.
No dates for industrial action have been confirmed, but the union say it will be announced "in the near future" if concerns are not resolved.
A spokesperson for Huntsman Polyurethanes told Greatest Hits Radio:
"The leadership of Huntsman Polyurethanes UK is disappointed that members of our Wilton operations shift team have voted in favour of industrial action.
"This action, which involves 32 employees, is related to a shift staffing model that has been in place for a year.
"Importantly, our current staffing model was clearly communicated and agreed in November 2023 and was the product of extensive consultations with union representatives and production technicians.
"In matters such as these, safety is a key consideration, and the staffing model was fully assessed in advance of implementation using a methodology (the “Safe Staffing Assessment”) recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and viewed as best practice by our industry.
"Furthermore, the HSE has recently met with union and safety representatives and believes the recommendations within the Staff Agreement are responsive to the concerns raised.
"Notwithstanding the settlement of the Staff Agreement, consultation between the Company, the shift teams and union representatives has been ongoing and has resulted in the constructive resolution of a number of follow up matters.
"Huntsman Polyurethanes UK remains committed to an open dialogue with the shift team members and union representatives with a goal of ensuring the safety of the workforce and the long-term competitiveness of the Wilton site."