GMB warns strike action could halt operations at Crane BS&U’s Hitchin site
More than 100 workers at Hitchin-based Crane Building Services and Utilities (BS&U) have begun voting in a formal industrial action ballot as a dispute over pay at the company intensifies.
The ballot, organised by GMB Union and opened on Tuesday 8 April, follows months of unsuccessful negotiations between the union and management over pay terms. Voting will close on Wednesday 22 April and will determine whether workers proceed with strike action.
The dispute centres on allegations from staff that Crane BS&U has failed to properly recognise the level of skill required in employees’ roles and has not maintained appropriate pay differentials across the workforce. Workers have also voiced frustration over what they describe as a lack of respect for the value of their contribution to the business.
According to GMB, the company’s latest pay offer was rejected by 81 per cent of union members, prompting the decision to move to a formal strike ballot.
Employees involved in the dispute have accused Crane BS&U of “flushing their core values down the drain” amid growing dissatisfaction over the company’s handling of the negotiations.
If members vote in favour of industrial action, GMB said strike action would effectively shut down the company’s operations in Hitchin, raising the prospect of significant disruption for the business.
GMB Regional Organiser Andre Marques said the union had pursued negotiations in good faith but claimed workers had been left with little alternative but to consider industrial action.
“It’s extremely disappointing to be in this situation, as moving to an industrial action ballot is always a last resort.
“GMB has engaged in pay negotiations in good faith, however our members are simply not being listened to.
“Our indicative ballot provided an overwhelming mandate to move forward, so now members will have their chance to decide whether to take strike action.”
Marques urged the business to return to negotiations with an improved offer in an effort to avert disruption.
“GMB is calling on Crane BS&U to rethink their current stance and return with a meaningful offer that resolves this dispute and reflects the true value of the workforce.”
The ballot marks a significant escalation in the dispute and places further pressure on Crane BS&U management to resolve the disagreement before workers take industrial action.
Industrial relations experts note that strike ballots are typically viewed as a final step after negotiations have broken down, with unions required to secure member backing before any industrial action can legally proceed.
Should workers vote in favour of strike action later this month, the move would add to a broader pattern of labour disputes across the UK as unions continue to press employers over pay, inflationary pressures and workforce retention.
Crane BS&U has yet to publicly respond to the union’s latest comments regarding the ballot.
The outcome of the vote is expected shortly after the ballot closes on 22 April, with any subsequent strike dates likely to be announced thereafter if members support industrial action.
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