Amicus threatens M&E giant over alleged wage cuts on Ashford and Ramsgate CTRL projects

M&E giant Emcor is facing a battle with union Amicus after allegedly cutting wages on its CTRL projects in Ashford and Ramsgate.

Amicus officials are meeting Emcor officials this afternoon after the firm allegedly informed workers that it would no longer pay them higher London rates or travel money - benefits agreed when the workers were transferred from the CTRL King鈥檚 Cross site early last year.

Project sources claim Emcor tendered the contracts on a price which only took into account basic national pay rates, and that the firm is now attempting to reduce its costs.

Although there is no suggestion Emcor has broken the rules of the Joint Industry Board, which governs pay in the sector, Amicus claims the firm has acted outside of the spirit of its original agreement with the workers.

Union officials are also angered at the possibility that the workers, who are directly employed, could be replaced by agency workers if they refuse to accept the cuts.

Vince Passfield, Amicus regional officer, said: 鈥淭he workers have responded positively to a request to work in the south east and have been productive. We would expect Emcor to acknowledge that commitment, recognise the spirit of the agreements and pay accordingly.鈥�

Emcor is currently unavailable for comment.