GMB members employed as environmental kiln operatives at Hanson Brick in Whittlesey begin six weeks continuous strike action.
The union claims that Hanson has reneged on an agreement for the burners to maintain a 33 day annual holiday entitlement.
GMB regional organiser Rachelle Wilkins said: 鈥淭he holiday entitlement for the burners was agreed between the company and trade unions years ago. This group of workers have to monitor the gas fuelled kilns continuously over a 24 hour period.聽 They work 12 hour shifts and cover all bank holidays. As part of a reorganisation of shift patterns and terms & conditions in 2011, it was agreed on two separate occasions with management that the burners would not reduce down to 29 days holiday with the rest of the workforce but would keep their 33 days in recognition of the unique role they undertake at the plant.鈥
Negotiations with ACAS took place in Whittlesey on Thursday 4 April but failed to settle the row.
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk