WORKERS who walked out of Hinkley Point C last week have agreed to return to work following discussions to resolve disagreements.

Around 1,600 MEH workers took action short of a strike last Thursday, November 28, 2024, citing health and safety concerns.

MEH workers raised numerous concerns with the Bridgwater Mercury, including overcrowding on site; the risk of being crushed at the turnstiles; impact on mental health, with claims of depression and anxiety; and unhygienic transport conditions.

The safety stand down subsequently resulted in a meeting held at Bridgwater Rugby Club on the following Monday between EDF and the workers.

Now, a spokesperson for EDF has confirmed that the unofficial strike has been resolved, even though some workers still claim that “nothing has changed.”

In a statement from Hinkley Point C’s construction director, Rob Jordan, the site “has a deservedly strong reputation for looking after our workforce, which is one of the reasons why people choose to come here. The safety and welfare of our people is very important to us.”

He continued: “Additional welfare provision is being introduced to accommodate the increased number of workers, with some of it already in place and other measures coming into effect soon.”

“There will be a process of change as the site is reconfigured to fit the new scope of work, such as adjusting shift times, and this will all help in maintaining a positive working experience as we welcome more workers onto site.”

Providing for workers

Hinkley Point C is “doing more to provide for our workers than on many other projects," Jordan added. "We offer safe working conditions, good welfare facilities – that means good, healthy food on site, high quality and affordable accommodation, transport, free gyms and sports pitches at site and in nearby Bridgwater.”

In response to concerns raised about the mental health of workers, Jordan said: “We are also building a sense of community that can help avoid feelings of isolation. Professional health care services are available on site, including a GP service, specially-trained nurses and a physiotherapist. We also have a team of Chaplains, of different faiths, with the first full-time Chaplain in the construction industry, funded by us.”

“Mental health awareness training is provided for managers and supervisors to create a supportive environment. Over 400 men and women volunteers act as trained mental health buddies from a range of occupations, ages and experience, so anyone should feel comfortable talking about their concerns.”

MEH workers say that their unions continue to be involved in mediating the concerns, with a ballot held online on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.