![](\"http:\/\/www.constructionenquirer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/CE_PALMERS-MPU_JAN19.gif\"\/)
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe issue came to a head last week when Unite revealed that it had obtained multiple payslips from workers that proved they were not being paid\u00a0in accordance with the project framework agreement,\u00a0 signed\u00a0by unions and HS2 in April 2016.<\/p>\n
A Costain Skanska joint venture spokesperson said: \u201cCostain Skanska JV\u00a0 uses approved suppliers to provide labour to some of our sites on the HS2 enabling works programme.<\/p>\n
“The workers in question are paid via PAYE and receive full employment rights, which include a minimum of the London Living Wage, EU holiday and sick pay and welfare benefits.<\/p>\n
\n
![](\"http:\/\/www.constructionenquirer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/CSP-CE-300x250-03.19.gif\"\/)
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\u201cWe have looked into Unite\u2019s report concerning the industry agreement rate for overtime and weekend duty, as well as holiday entitlement. The company concerned has been instructed to remedy this with immediate effect so that we meet our required standards.”<\/p>\n
It added: \u201cCSJV remains keen to maintain a working dialogue with Unite to ensure that its members\u2019 views are considered and any concerns can be addressed swiftly.<\/p>\n
“We have offered Unite access to site inductions where they can recruit members, as well as a suitable meeting room for recruitment and member engagement purposes, so that people working on our sites can choose how to spend their break times.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
![](\"http:\/\/www.constructionenquirer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Constructionline-MTB-GIF.gif\"\/)
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It is the second time unions and BCL and CSJV have clashed.<\/p>\n
Last autumn Unite discovered that contrary to the agreement, BCL was not paying \u00a31.49 a week per worker to provide the correct accident and death benefit cover.<\/p>\n
When the CSJV was challenged on this matter it not only assured Unite that the issue had been resolved but also confirmed they had conducted an extensive audit costing \u00a360,000 of its subcontractors and all other matters were in order.<\/p>\n
\n
![](\"http:\/\/www.constructionenquirer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Elfin_Construction-Enquirer-mpu_cyan-300x250-5.gif\"\/)
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\nUnite national officer Jerry Swain, said: \u201cCSJV had no option once the scandal of the underpayments was revealed by Unite to immediately ensure the correct rates are paid.<\/p>\n
\u201cQuestions remain about who knew and for how long; workers were being underpaid and exploited.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe commitment to not only pay the correct rates but also ensures that everyone who has been underpaid will receive the correct back pay, demonstrated the value of unions.”<\/p>\n
\n
![](\"http:\/\/www.constructionenquirer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Grid-Point-MPU-300x250-Feb-19-V1.gif\"\/)
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n