Gloucester aviation workers to strike
It comes following a row over pay
Last updated 25th Feb 2022
Workers at GE Aviation Systems are set to begin strike action next week in a dispute over pay.
Over 90 employees, who are based at the company’s factory on Hurricane Road in Gloucester, are taking action after rejecting a two-year pay offer, which they feel is below inflation rates.
Unite members voted for strike action last November, but the union delayed an announcement in an attempt to resolve the dispute through negotiations.
However, these negotiations broke down when GE Aviation reportedly refused to improve their offer.
Sharon Graham, the general secretary at Union, has said: “Unite has given GE Aviation every opportunity to make a fair pay offer to avoid strike action but it has refused to do so.
“Our members have made it clear that they will accept nothing less than a proper pay rise and they have Unite’s full support in this fight.”
GE Aviation is part of the General Electric Corporation, manufacturing propeller systems for both civilian and military aircrafts. They have notable clients such as the RAF and the United States Air Force.
Matt Allen, the regional officer at Unite, has said: “Our members are taking strike action as a last resort. It will cause considerable disruption to GE Aviation’s entire client base, but this dispute is entirely of the company’s own making.”
Although, Mr Allen did acknowledge that strikes could still be avoided if GE Aviation make an improved offer that meet the member’s expectation.
The strikes are expected to start on Friday the 4th of March and will continue every Friday until the 20th of May.
A spokesperson from Dowty said they are "engaging with the union and remains committed to having a constructive dialogue with the aim of reaching a resolution. Dowty offers competitive compensation and benefits compared to the local market."