Sellafield takeover is still on course

By Staff reporter

Last updated 11:47, Thursday, 28 August 2008

THE proposed new operator of Sellafield has denied speculation its takeover of the site could be delayed by strike action.

Rumours have swept the site that if staff walk out in a row over pay, and plants are closed as a result, Nuclear Management Partners (NMP) could put back the date it takes control.

NMP, a consortium of American, French and British companies (URS Washington, Areva and Amec) won the race to become the preferred bidder for the Sellafield contract, which is not due to be awarded until October 6.

NMP would not move on to the site until after shares have been transferred on November 24.

Washington’s local operations director, Iain Irving, said: “I can assure you that no statements have been made by NMP to suggest any potential impact on share transfer dates as a result of any potential industrial action.

“NMP continues to work towards the share transfer programme and will make no comment regarding current industrial relations issues on site.

“That is a matter for the current Sellafield management team and the unions.”

The site’s industrial unions – GMB and Unite – have started ballots calling on their members to reject a pay offer and vote in favour of industrial action.

Their result will be known on September 8.

But Prospect, the union representing white collar workers, is urging its 4,300-plus Sellafield membership to accept the pay deal.

A Sellafield spokesman said: “A sustained strike could affect the date of share transfer, which could conceivably be put back as a result.

“Low-level, short-term action will be unlikely to affect the date of share transfer.

“It is in everybody’s interest that the new parent body takes over a fully functioning, viable and prosperous company.”

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority said it was working closely with NMP on the share transfer “and at this stage we do not envisage any difficulties”.