Strike ballot over sacked shop steward in construction

7 November 2007

Unite is to ballot its members in American construction giant, CB&I over the dismissal of union stop steward.

Unite’s John McEwan, an experienced steel worker, was sacked four days after his election as shop steward at CB&I’s site in Isle of Grain, North Kent. Unite believes that the dismissal was directly related to John McEwan's election and is representing him at his appeal.

At a recent mass meeting at the site, 95% of members voted in favour of Unite pursuing a strike ballot. The GMB union has also agreed to ballot its members in support.

Neil Willoughby, Unite regional officer said: "We believe that the only reason John McEwan was sacked was because he is an effective and committed shop steward who has the confidence of the workers who voted for him. We feel it is no coincidence that his dismissal followed so soon after his election and our members are not prepared to allow this sort of trade union discrimination to happen without a fight."

There are three large gas tanks being built at the Isle of Grain site under the NAECI agreement.