Ensus workers set to return
HUNDREDS of Teesside construction workers will return to work on Monday following a week of wildcat strikes.
A bitter dispute over 647 sacked workers at Lindsey Oil in Lincolnshire, which sparked the mass protest on Teesside, was resolved last night - but the agreement still has to be put to workers on Monday.
Around 1,000 workers walked off the Ensus bioethanol plant at Wilton last Friday, joining hundreds more around the country in support of the sacked workers.
Teesside workers who staged two days of peaceful protests from Wednesday, stopping motorists at the entrances to the Wilton site, were joined by Lindsey Oil Refinery workers from Teesside and staff from other Wilton companies.
A deal to reinstate workers at Lindsey Oil was agreed after lengthy talks, it has emerged today.
The agreement thrashed out between union leaders and employers of contract staff at the Lindsey oil refinery in North Lincolnshire will be put to a mass meeting at the site on Monday.
Local protesters held a meeting at Wilton this morning.
One Teesside worker said today: “It has been agreed we will return to work on Monday. We got what we wanted, everyone is pleased. Workers have shown a lot of solidarity.”
Another workers said: “It’s good news - if it has been fully resolved. It’s going to a vote on Monday.
“The strikes around the country have been one of the biggest players in this, everybody has stuck together.”
The dispute at Lindsey Oil erupted after 647 workers were sacked for taking unofficial action in protest at the laying off of 51 employees by a sub-contractor.
Ensus chief executive Alwyn Hughes said: “It’s encouraging that the Lindsey Oil dispute seems to be resolved. The strike action has been very damaging in terms of securing the long term future of Ensus.”
Les Bayliss of Unite said: “Following hours of detailed negotiations, we now have proposals for a return to work that the unions will put to the members at Lindsey.
“Employers have agreed reinstatement of sacked workers. The details will be put to the workforce on Monday morning.”
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