Competency challenge launched over Ferrybridge subcontractor

A major union has launched a challenge against Yorkshire’s Ferrybridge power station.

Unite said it had “deep concerns” over the qualifications and competency of workers from Polish firm Mosotstal Pulaway, a subcontractor at the station.

Mosotstal had agreed to conditions from the National Joint Council For The Engineering Construction Industry when it took on mechanical engineering works at Ferrybridge.

Unite has now submissted a formal complaint to the council that HZI, the principal contractor, has breached the agreement, which it said was there to ensure workplace safety and that the workforces’ skills are fit for purpose, namely a trade specific NVQ at Level 3.

Unite regional organiser, Chris Weldon, said: “Unite will not allow our industrial agreements to be undermined. It is vital that this issue is swiftly resolved not just for this site, but for future projects undertaken under the NAECI agreement.

“This dispute is about ensuring that workers employed on NAECI projects across the UK have the appropriate qualifications and are fully competent and safe to undertake the work.”

SSE said: “As the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor for the Ferrybridge Multifuel 2 project, HZI are responsible for the placement of contracts. SSE support HZI’s rigorous approach in assessing the competency of the workforce at the site.”

HZI said: ‘HZI is fully committed to ensuring that all contractors and their workforce meet safety and competency standards and we are confident that all contractors on the FM2 site meet these standards. HZI will continue to work with the appropriate bodies to ensure continued compliance with the NAECI requirements.”