Tensions Rise Between Ucatt And Laing O'Rourke Over Site Access Dispute

Industry tensions between Ucatt and Laing O'Rourke are escalating after the union accused the contractor of "backdoor blacklisting".

The organisation has repeatedly claimed the company is refusing union officials access to the £212 million Dumfries hospital project.

Colin Smyth MSP has also tabled a parliamentary motion condemning Laing O'Rourke's action, with support from 14 of his colleagues.

Following a series of protests outside the project site earlier this month, Laing O'Rourke's Industrial Relations Manager, Trevor Donoghue, met with Regional Secretary for Ucatt Scotland, Steve Dillon, to discuss the issue.


However, Ucatt said the "short, sharp and volatile" meeting resulted in the organisation being told the only access for officials would include attending inductions where they could speak to the workforce while being watched by management, with any literature bring handed over to the contractor for distribution.

In addition, officials were also told they could not speak to workers freely in canteens or rest areas.

Mr Dillon said Laing O'Rourke "have learned nothing from the blacklisting scandal".

"They want to intimidate workers not to join the union and if someone shows any interest then they will be marked as a target from day one. This is backdoor blacklisting and can't be tolerated on a public sector project," he said.

"We don't want favours just fairness and the ability to speak to workers freely without fear of retribution. If the Fair Work Convention means anything then the Scottish Government must take action to force Laing O'Rourke to provide proper access."

(Image: UCATT protest outside the £212m Dumfries hospital project on 03 November)

(LM)