"Overwhelming " support for strike action at Clyde nuclear bases.

The Unite union's announced its members at Faslane and Coulport have voted to walkout over pay and conditions and a ban on overtime. The daily industrial action's planned from the 12th of March.

Around a thousand electricians, mechanical fitters, plumbers and joiners are expected to take part in the row about pay and future working arrangements. Unite say members voted by 95% in support of the action.

Stephen Deans, Unite regional coordinating officer, said: “The overwhelming support for industrial action from Unite’s membership at the Clyde naval bases should be seen as a strong signal of the frustration and genuine anger felt by the workforce. Until this point, Babcock Marine have refused to meaningfully engage with us on pay and the future workplace relations at the bases following the outcome of the Ministry of Defence’s Future Maritime Support Programme.”

“Unless Babcock Marine management get back round the negotiating table and start to behave responsibly then a wave of industrial action is set to strike the bases from the middle of March. This is at a time when contracts worth up to £200m will be decided upon. This situation is not irretrievable or inevitable but a change is solely dependent upon the company meaningfully engaging with Unite, and we hope they take up this final opportunity before action starts.”

In a statement, Babcock said:

“We are disappointed that our Unite Trade Union members at HMNB Clyde have chosen to vote for industrial action. Having agreed a 2020 pay deal with part of our organisation, we remain keen to continue to engage with our unite Trade Union representatives, to try and find a mutually acceptable resolution for their members.

“Keeping people safe at HMNB Clyde remains our top priority and we will continue to work closely with our customer to deliver our commitments and ensure a safe and secure environment.

“On the matter of future bargaining arrangements, we are engaged in a competitive confidential procurement process on the Future Maritime Support Programme with the Ministry of Defence. Only once the outcome of this competition is known can we have an informed discussion with Unite.”

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