Driver strikes scheduled at concrete company Maen Karne

HGV drivers employed by aggregates firm Maen Karne in Cornwall will begin a series of strikes from 30 May in a fight to get union recognition.

The drivers, who are represented by Unite, deliver fresh concrete across the county and the union claimed the strikes would cause severe to disruption to the construction projects of Maen Karne’s customers.

Unite said the workers requested a voluntary recognition agreement from Maen Karne on to allow for collective bargaining over pay and conditions and this was rejected.

“Unite cannot accept union busting,” said Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary.

“Our members’ jobs, pay and conditions are this union’s top priority and by refusing to enter a recognition agreement Maen Karne is clearly intent on blocking collective bargaining.”

The concrete mixer drivers will strike on 30 and 31 May and 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 June, with more industrial action scheduled if the dispute is not resolved.

Maen Karne did not respond.