A group of workers on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) “downed tools” yesterday morning amidst claims they had not been paid.
The temporary withdrawal of their work has led to further concerns that the giant project may be delayed even further.
Talks are now underway to resolve the pay issue, with local politicians calling for the matter to be investigated “as a matter of urgency”.
The employees, who are believed to have been working on the Rothnick site outside Portlethen, are employed by Rossmore Civils (UK) which has been subcontracted to work on the project.
The AWPR Construction Joint Venture is currently holding discussions with the company to attempt to resolve the issue.
A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: “The contractor has confirmed that AWPR Construction Joint Venture (the CJV) has subcontracted with Rossmore Civils (UK) to supply plant and workers to carry out various activities on the project.
“We are aware that a small number of operatives ‘downed tools’ this morning in dispute with their employer and the CJV is holding discussions with Rossmore Civils (UK) to establish the cause and resolve the matter.
“The CJV has also assured us that it is making all payments to the firm in accordance with the terms and conditions of their subcontract.”
North-east MSP Peter Chapman said any “additional delay” in the construction was the “last thing people in the north-east need.”
He said: “It seems that there is just one problem after another on the AWPR at the moment.
“If these workers have not been paid, then Aberdeen Roads Ltd, as the consortium responsible for the overall project, must look into this as a matter of urgency.
“Disputes involving staff employed by any of the sub-contractors or agencies should be dealt with as quickly as possible.
“Given the timescale for completion of this vital project has already been pushed back, the last thing people in the north-east need is any additional delay.”
Last month the completion date for the long-awaited bypass was pushed back until late autumn.
The new delay to the £745million project was blamed on recent cold weather and Storm Frank in 2015, as well as the collapse of construction firm Carillion in January.
