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Second day of 'labour row' action Second day of 'labour row' action
(10 minutes later)
About 100 workers are picketing outside a liquefied natural gas terminal in Pembrokeshire in an unofficial dispute over the use of foreign labour. About 120 workers are picketing outside a liquefied natural gas terminal in Pembrokeshire in an unofficial dispute over the use of foreign labour.
On Tuesday a number of contract workers walked off South Hook LNG site with hundreds following suit at other sites.On Tuesday a number of contract workers walked off South Hook LNG site with hundreds following suit at other sites.
Unions said the unofficial action was being taken because preference had not been given to local labour.Unions said the unofficial action was being taken because preference had not been given to local labour.
Representatives from the GMB union said they have failed to reach an agreement with contractors Hertel UK.Representatives from the GMB union said they have failed to reach an agreement with contractors Hertel UK.
South Hook workers are being supported in the action for a second day by colleagues from the nearby Dragon LNG plant.South Hook workers are being supported in the action for a second day by colleagues from the nearby Dragon LNG plant.
The walk out started on Tuesday with 50 laggers at South Hook LNG in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.The walk out started on Tuesday with 50 laggers at South Hook LNG in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.
The terminal, which imports gas from the Middle East, was officially opened by the Queen only last week. The terminal, which imports gas from the Middle East, was officially opened by the Queen last week.
Subcontracted Skilled workers
Workers also walked out in sympathy at plants as far afield as Vale of Glamorgan, Lincolnshire and Widnes.Workers also walked out in sympathy at plants as far afield as Vale of Glamorgan, Lincolnshire and Widnes.
Hertel UK managing director David Fitzsimons said the company employed more than 3,500 UK personnel, including 150 apprentices and trainees.Hertel UK managing director David Fitzsimons said the company employed more than 3,500 UK personnel, including 150 apprentices and trainees.
He said they had looked to employ local labour but had been unable to find skilled people for the start of the project.He said they had looked to employ local labour but had been unable to find skilled people for the start of the project.
"As a result, we subcontracted the works to a third party which also employs non-UK labour and was also engaged on phase 1 of this project in 2008," he said."As a result, we subcontracted the works to a third party which also employs non-UK labour and was also engaged on phase 1 of this project in 2008," he said.
But Mr Fitzsimons said it was short term project and they would be involved for approximately three months. He said the company had agreed with union officials that they would hire local skilled personnel once they are identified.But Mr Fitzsimons said it was short term project and they would be involved for approximately three months. He said the company had agreed with union officials that they would hire local skilled personnel once they are identified.
"I regret that this situation has escalated," he added."I regret that this situation has escalated," he added.
"We understand people's concerns and we have engaged in detailed discussions with trade union national officials and local representatives.""We understand people's concerns and we have engaged in detailed discussions with trade union national officials and local representatives."
Hertel and its sub-contractors said they complied with national frameworks on terms and conditions for workers.Hertel and its sub-contractors said they complied with national frameworks on terms and conditions for workers.
Workers at Aberthaw also demonstrated in JanuaryWorkers at Aberthaw also demonstrated in January
On Tuesday Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB, said his union was making urgent inquiries into the cause of the dispute.On Tuesday Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB, said his union was making urgent inquiries into the cause of the dispute.
He said: "We understand that an agreement to give work on these large projects to local labour has been breached."He said: "We understand that an agreement to give work on these large projects to local labour has been breached."
Mr Kenny added: "There is widespread anger and outrage at repeated attempts in different projects around the country to exclude local people from job opportunities on these projects. The political spotlight needs to be turned on these companies so that discriminatory employment practices cease immediately. Mr Kenny added: "There is widespread anger and outrage at repeated attempts in different projects around the country to exclude local people from job opportunities on these projects.
"The political spotlight needs to be turned on these companies so that discriminatory employment practices cease immediately.
Laggers and thermal insulation engineers working as contractors walked out at Aberthaw power station in the Vale of Glamorgan and workers also walked out at Dragon LNG site, a few miles away in Milford Haven.Laggers and thermal insulation engineers working as contractors walked out at Aberthaw power station in the Vale of Glamorgan and workers also walked out at Dragon LNG site, a few miles away in Milford Haven.
There was also sympathy for the action from workers in England, with around 400 workers at plants in Widnes and north Lincolnshire walked out in sympathy. There was also sympathy for the action from workers in England, with around 400 workers at plants in Widnes and north Lincolnshire walking out.