The action is in solidarity with workers at the Lindsey Oil Refinery in Lincolnshire who are protesting at the award of a £200m contract to Portuguese workers. There has been similar controversy at Staythorpe over the use of non-unionised Spanish workers.

A worker who was injured at a protest at Staythorpe last year, said "This should come as no surprise to anyone. The employers have deliberately and actively been looking for ways to exploit cheap labour while covering their eyes and ears to the growing rage of discontent and ignoring all the warning signs, it’s outrageous."