Burnham blasts ‘arrogant’ road workers over row
GREATER Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has slammed workers who left diggers obstructing two major roads in a pay row saying it was an ‘arrogant’ move and has urged police to investigate.
There were huge tailbacks caused on both Regent Road and Chester Road during rush hour after dumped machinery led to lanes being closed on the major trunk roads into the city centre.
Motorists told the M.E.N. that when they got out to ask workers what was going on, they told them they were leaving diggers in the road because they hadn’t been paid.
Staff from Total Plant Hire Ltd, a Trafford Park-based firm which supplies machinery, downed tools at around 9.30am on Tuesday claiming they are owed around £300,000 by main contractor Dawnus with a second sub-contractor also alleging they are owed the same amount.
Work has ground to a halt on the project with Dawnus so far refusing to comment and the council saying they are now urgently working on a ‘Plan B.’
Speaking in Cannes, where he is attending an international property convention, Mr Burnham said: “From my point of view I think it is outrageous that a company working in Greater Manchester sees fit to disrupt the lives of thousands of people. I have asked GMP should there not be a consideration of whether or not there has been any offences made because it is just not right.
“Nobody has the right to come and do that. However difficult their issues are, pursue them through the court or with lawyers but do not take direct action and punish innocent people who are trying to do their days work and earn their money.
“What gives you the right to put other peoples livelihoods at risk? I thought it was a very arrogant act.
“I don’t know all the details because I’m not taking the lead on it but this does happen between businesses and I’m not saying it is okay that they haven’t been paid – but don’t take it out on the public.”
Tommy Halligan, director of Total Plant Hire, later confirmed his staff had taken the extraordinary action ‘due to non-payment’ but said he would ensure they did get money they were owed.
GMP said ‘officers attended the scene and assisted in resolution of the situation.’
They added they had been reassured there would be no repeat after speaking to the company.
The future of the scheme is still in limbo with no work going on yesterday and Dawnus still refusing to comment.