Strike action at Dounreay nuclear plant in Caithness has been called off by the union GMB.
Regional organiser Liz Gordon said they had decided to suspend a planned day of action on Monday after a meeting of branch representatives.
However, she said that they retained the right to initiate industrial action any time up to March 31, adding: “The GMB’s view remains that the pay offer is a derisory, below the cost of living award. It is not an increase in pay.
“Taking strike action, which is not supported by the other unions, is not in our members’ best interests as the financial sacrifice could amount to more than the pay offer is worth.
“Furthermore, we have committed to retaining a safe level of manning, therefore the impact of a walk out would be minimal.”
Last month, members of the three unions representing workers at Dounreay voted to ballot for strike action after rejecting an initial 1.75% increase in pay.
But, prior to the ballot closing, the Prospect and Unite unions told Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL) managers that their members had accepted a new pay offer.
This offer is a three-year deal worth between 6.7% and 7.7%, depending on inflation, with an opportunity to re-open negotiations in year three if inflation remains above 3%.
Liz Gordon added: “The lack of support from the other trade unions is disappointing but a useful example of the complex staffing and pay structure which dominates feedback from GMB members.
“The GMB is clearly expressing the voice of its members, many of whom get limited rewards due to an unfair pay structure.”
She said the union would be talking again with their members about what action short of a strike would be appropriate.
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