BWI lauds UNITE’s access agreement for HS2 London tunnel workers

The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) has hailed the recent “union access agreement” secured by Unite, the United Kingdom’s leading construction union, as a significant victory for labour rights and a testament to the power of relentless advocacy. The said agreement ensures that workers on the HS2 tunnels project in Euston, London, can freely access union support while on site, marking a crucial step forward in safeguarding their rights and welfare.

BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson viewed the development as a clear demonstration of the critical role that international framework agreements (IFAs) and union access rights play in advancing labour rights globally. “The success of Unite's campaign aligns with BWI's broader mission to secure legal instruments that uphold high standards of labour practices across industries and geographies. BWI's IFAs, like the union access agreement achieved by Unite, are essential tools in ensuring compliance with the International Labour Organization's (ILO) core Conventions and the Fundamental Principles of Labour Rights,” Yuson explained. 

After a determined five-year campaign, Unite successfully negotiated this access agreement with the joint venture company Skanska, Costain, Strabag (SCS), which is responsible for constructing the HS2 tunnels that will connect central London with the high-speed rail network. Under the terms of this agreement, union officers will now be able to meet with workers in the site's rest areas during break times to discuss employment-related issues. Additionally, Unite officials will have the opportunity to address workers during induction meetings, further enhancing their ability to provide essential advice and support.

Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, praised the determination and hard work of the union's construction members, who played a pivotal role in securing the agreement. “The persistence and dedication of Unite construction members should be congratulated; it is their hard work which has ensured this access agreement has been signed. Construction workers based on the SCS project will now be able to freely consult a Unite official about all their employment and safety concerns,” said Graham. She further emphasized that this agreement would empower Unite to effectively defend and enhance workers’ jobs, pay, and conditions on the HS2 project.

Aside from Unite, BWI congratulated the GMB union, who was also a signatory to the agreement. BWI said that the milestone serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of expanding the reach and impact of its IFAs, ensuring that workers everywhere have the protections they deserve.