NUCLEAR decommissioning workers at Europe’s largest atomic energy complex walked out yesterday, demanding that they be granted a full-time union convener.

Unite the Union said that the official would help prevent safety breaches at Sellafield, which includes two major power stations undergoing decommissioning, but bosses for the 15 site subcontractors have refused their request.

The 1,200-strong strike between 5.30 and 7.30am yesterday followed a work to rule and overtime ban.

“Sellafield is an important nuclear facility where health and safety and the welfare of workers should be paramount,” said Unite regional secretary Mick Whitley.

“Our experience shows that a full-time union convener would help ensure a healthier, more productive and profitable workplace.”

But Sellafield Ltd, the company in charge of the site, has attempted to wash its hands of the dispute.

“Sellafield Ltd has no part in this dispute, which is entirely a matter for those contracting companies and their workforces to resolve,” a spokesman said.

“During any industrial action, our overriding priority is the safety and security of the site and measures are in place to ensure this is maintained during this action.

“This is a dispute about the welfare of workers in the contractor community and not about the safety of the Sellafield site.”

Picket lines at the site saw traffic jams build up on nearby roads yesterday morning.