Union Action Halts Electricians De-Skilling Plans

Unite the union have welcomed confirmation by contractors Balfour Beatty and N.G. Bailey that they remain committed to the existing Joint Industry Board (JIB) agreement and the training of fully qualified electricians. 

The union said it had raised concerns about de-skilling earlier this year after it emerged that the two companies working on the Somerset Hinkley Point C project were seeking to introduce  training standards for a new position of 'electrical support operative'.  The union warned that the new role amounted to de-skilling of electricians and had not been discussed with Unite. The proposals led to widespread protests  by Unite electricians across the UK. Jerry Swain, Unite national officer for construction said: "Unite would oppose any efforts to weaken the skills set and training of electricians.

This is not the first occasion where there has been efforts to introduce dilutees into the electrical contracting industry and to undercut the wages of skilled electricians. During pay negotiations in 1997-1999, between the AEEU and Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), the employers demanded the introduction of a new semi-skilled electrical grade of 'Skilled Mechanical Assembler' (SMA), despite JIB policy stating that only qualified electricians should carry out electrical contracting work.

In  2011 eight of the largest M&E contractors decided to withdraw from the JIB and unilaterally set up new terms and conditions for the industry called the 'Building Engineering Services National Agreement' (BESNA).  The new agreement would have allowed unqualified workers to carry out work currently done by skilled and qualified electricians and cut the JIB rate from £16.25 p.h. to £10.00 p., a 35% pay cut under BESNA.

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