Industrial action at Shell’s Bacton Gas Terminal in Norfolk has entered its second week, as workers employed by engineering services firm Altrad continue a strike in a dispute over pay.
The strike, organised by the GMB union, began after Altrad offered staff a one-time 4 per cent pay uplift — a proposal that union representatives say falls significantly short of the increases outlined under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI). That national framework sets out pay and conditions for workers across the sector, with a two-year deal proposing wage rises of 11.3 per cent in the first year and 5.5 per cent in the second.
Union members have been staging pickets outside the terminal between 6.30am and 10.30am on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 October. According to the GMB, the strike follows an overwhelming vote in favour of industrial action, with 100 per cent of members backing the walkout on a 96 per cent turnout.
Union Calls for Fair Pay
Paul Block, GMB Regional Organiser, said:
“Our members voted resoundingly in favour of this strike action.
“Their message is clear: they won’t stand to be paid less than they deserve or less than other workers at Bacton doing the same jobs.
“It’s time for Altrad to listen to their workers and implement the NAECI level pay increase.”
The GMB argues that workers at the Bacton terminal — one of the UK’s key energy infrastructure sites — should be paid in line with national industry standards rather than a separate, lower local deal. The union contends that Altrad’s offer represents a real-terms pay cut when set against inflation and undermines the parity established under the NAECI framework.
Background to the Dispute
The Bacton Gas Terminal plays a critical role in the UK’s energy supply network, processing gas from North Sea fields and providing capacity for both domestic use and exports to Europe. The site’s strategic importance has made the dispute a closely watched issue within the energy and engineering sectors.
Altrad, which provides industrial services and maintenance to major energy companies including Shell, has not issued a public response to the union’s claims. However, the GMB maintains that its members are simply seeking fair and consistent treatment compared with other engineering and construction workers across the country.
The union said its members are determined to continue their action until Altrad returns to negotiations and agrees to implement the nationally recognised pay increase. It has also warned that the dispute could escalate if management fails to reopen talks.
Broader Industrial Context
The strike at Bacton comes amid a wider pattern of industrial unrest across the UK, particularly within energy, construction, and manufacturing. Rising living costs, inflationary pressures, and what unions describe as “below-inflation offers” have driven a surge in disputes throughout 2025.
GMB officials argue that adherence to the NAECI framework is essential for maintaining industry stability and avoiding a “race to the bottom” on pay. They point to the fact that other contractors operating under the same agreement have already implemented the recommended increases.
The union has also said that the workforce at Bacton is committed to maintaining safe and responsible protest action. The picket lines, it said, have been conducted peacefully, with workers seeking dialogue rather than confrontation.
Economic and Operational Implications
While there has been no public confirmation of disruption to operations at the Shell-owned facility, analysts suggest that prolonged industrial action at a site of Bacton’s importance could put pressure on both contractors and clients to reach a resolution. The terminal is central to the UK’s natural gas infrastructure, and even temporary slowdowns can have implications for supply chains and project timelines.
For Altrad, the dispute presents a reputational challenge at a time when the energy sector is under increasing scrutiny over working conditions and pay fairness. Meanwhile, unions see the dispute as a key test of their ability to secure industry-wide compliance with national pay standards.
Looking Ahead
The GMB has indicated it remains open to further discussions but says members are prepared for continued action if necessary. With both sides yet to reach agreement, the coming weeks may prove decisive in determining whether industrial peace can be restored at one of the UK’s most strategically significant gas terminals.
Media representatives interested in visiting the picket line or interviewing union officials have been directed to contact John Colquhoun, GMB Senior Organiser, at [email protected] or 07980 753114.
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