Thousands of aerospace workers at Leonardo to strike over pay

Thousands of aerospace workers at Leonardo are set to walk out this autumn after voting to reject the latest pay offer.

Staff at the company’s sites in Edinburgh, Yeovil, Basildon, Newcastle and Luton will strike, saying the pay rise on the table is less than inflation and would mean a real-terms cut.

Unite union members say they want bosses to return to negotiations and make a better offer, as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

Further industrial action could follow if talks don’t progress.

The union say this latest bout of action comes as workers are 'furious' after rejecting an original pay offer of just 3.2 per cent and have now rejected a further offer of 3.6 per cent from the employer.

They say how these offers are below the RPI rate of inflation which is running at 4.5 per cent.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Leonardo workers are highly skilled and work on critical defence and aerospace systems yet are being short-changed by a company making billions.

"Leonardo continues to try and penny-pinch rather than make a sensible offer workers can accept. Our members have the full support of Unite in their fight for decent pay.”

Strikes will take place at Leonardo factories on the following dates:

• All sites (Yeovil, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Basildon and Luton) – 12-13 November
• Edinburgh and Basildon only – 14-18, November, 19-20 November, 21-23 November and 24-25 November
• Yeovil only – 25-28 November

Unite national officer for aerospace Rhys McCarthy said: “Leonardo will now see the anger of its workers on the picket line outside its factories.

"But this is a dispute entirely of its own making.

"The company needs to come back to the negotiating table with a proper offer our members can accept.”

'Obviously disappointed'

A Leonardo spokesperson said: “We are obviously disappointed that the revised pay offer negotiated by Senior Unite Representatives and supported by full time Unite officials on behalf of Leonardo members has not been positively received by the membership.

"Strike action is now inevitable for our Leonardo UK Basildon, Edinburgh, Luton, Newcastle and Yeovil sites.

"We have taken all steps possible to minimise disruption to our business and our customers.

"We would welcome Unite back to the table in a bid to reach a resolution."

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