FED-UP crane drivers were poised for strike action yesterday on construction sites across Britain as they prepare to vote in a row over pay.

The workers employed by crane company HTC Plant Ltd fulfil contracts with major construction firms including Kier, Lend Lease, Bam, Costain, Mace and Vinci and the high-profile projects they are working on include Crossrail, the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston and the London Bridge redevelopment.

Ucatt union members are balloting on strike action over pay as since 2008 the crane drivers have endured several pay freezes and also had many of their allowances cut.

The union said the crane drivers were angry that the company was not prepared to restore pay to the levels they were at before the 2008 recession.

Despite entering into negotiations with the company, HTC has declined to table an offer which meets Ucatt members’ expectations.

Ucatt general secretary Steve Murphy said the drivers were fed up as they have endured years of pay cuts and seen their pay fall in real terms.

“The industry is booming but their employers are not prepared to pay up.

“Strike action by crane drivers will cause chaos across construction sites. HTC should return to the negotiating table with a dramatically improved offer,” he said.

The dispute is likely to be the first of many involving pay rates at crane companies, the union warned. The ballot closes on Monday October 27.

peterlazenby@peoples-press.com