BESNA Employment Contract Conditions Dropped

In the wake of its failure in the High Court last week to challenge strike action, Balfour Beatty quickly dropped plans to implement new employment contract conditions referred to as Besna (Building Engineering Services National Agreement) as a result of protests by unions both in the USA and the UK.

Contracts “Untenable”

Now NG Bailey is also dropping the reforms to contracts describing the new contracts as “untenable”.

Modernising Joint Industry Board Agreements

The Heating and Ventilation Contractors Association were responsible for creating the new conditions and both NG Bailey and Balfour Beatty are renowned members of the Association. It appears that the motivation behind updating Joint Industry Board agreements was to replace 5 that have been in place since 1960 with one single contract bringing it in line with up to date working conditions.

Trade Unions Outraged

The basis of the trade unions’ argument against the updates centred on the loss to many members of a purported 30% in pay cuts and the employer’s attitude of “sign or be sacked” caused particular outrage.

NG Bailey Statement

In a statement issued today, NG Bailey announced:
“The Besna agreement relied on the UK’s leading engineering companies adopting one single agreement that would introduce a modern working environment.

Following the announcement from Balfour Beatty Engineering Services last Friday, the future of the BESNA is now untenable. NG Bailey can therefore confirm it will withdraw the BESNA contracts and will continue to work to the current working rule agreements.
The company welcomes Unite’s statement that it is committed to wide ranging talks on modernising the industry.”

No Comment from HVCA

The Heating and Ventilation Contractors Association (HVCA) have so far not commented on the failure of its plan.

Seven Main Contractors Involved

Crown House Technologies, Spie Matthew Hall, SES (Shepherd Engineering Services), T Clarke and Gratte Brothers were intending to implement the Besna making a total of 7 major companies including Balfour Beatty and NG Bailey.

Written by Tina Reeves, Construction Industry Writer