Tower crane operator strike starts today

Almost 100 tower crane operators in the UK start strike action today, 27 January, over pay and conditions.

Workers from tower crane rental and sales business Wolffkran say they haven’t had a pay rise in three years. The workers are members of the Unite union which said its members at Wolffkran “are furious that the company is now also seeking to cut some of their additional benefits, including standby payments.”

The Wolff 8095 Compact saddle jib tower crane was launched at the Bauma 2025 trade show

The plan is then to take further action every two weeks after the first day. “Exact days will be determined by members at each site based on what will cause the most disruption,” the union said.

Tower cranes are crucial to construction projects so disruption is likely to be fundamental, potentially halting work on all affected sites. Current projects with Wolffkran cranes include deconstruction of the Grenfell tower in west London, Cambridge Science Park and a new weather forecasting centre west of London.

Commenting on the action Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said, “It is completely unacceptable that highly skilled and vital construction workers have not seen their pay increase in three years. To add insult to injury Wolffkran is now attacking workers’ conditions.”

Vince McCoy, Unite regional officer, said, “We urge Wolffkran to come back with a much improved offer.”

Awaiting comment from Wolffkran.