Sellafield strike threat over new shifts

Sellafield workers are unhappy at new shifts

The Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant in Cumbria faces strike action in a row over the introduction of new shift working.

An application for a ballot for industrial action is being made by the General, Municipal and Boilermakers' union (GMB).

A GMB spokeswoman said shift workers at the plant were unhappy at the proposed shifts, as well as pay issues.

A Sellafield spokesman said: "We are very disappointed that, despite discussions with national officers, the Sellafield shop stewards wish to reject the company's final offer and enter into a ballot for strike action.

"The final offer has been recommended for acceptance by the trade union's negotiators and has been accepted by shift workers at all other sites."

The spokesman said safety at Sellafield would be a top priority during any industrial action.