BAE workers in Lancashire set to strike in row over pay
Over 5000 members of the Unite union based at Warton and Samlesbury in Lancashire are in dispute
Thousands of aerospace engineers at BAE Systems could take strike action this autumn in a dispute over pay.
Unite the union says over 5000 members based at Warton and Samlesbury in Lancashire will be balloted after rejecting the latest pay offer from the company.
The union says workers were offered 3.6 per cent, which is below the rate of inflation and represents a real terms pay cut.
"completely unacceptable"
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "BAE Systems is one of the world's biggest defence manufacturers and made billions in profit last year. It pays its CEO vast sums and yet sees fit to try and short change our members for the sake of shareholders.
"This is completely unacceptable and Unite will be backing the thousands of aerospace engineers in their dispute until BAE Systems comes to its senses."
According to Unite, in 2024 BAE Systems made over £3 billion in profits, up from £2.7 billion the year before and reportedly pays its CEO over £11 million per year.
Unite regional officer Ross Quinn said: "This dispute is entirely the making of BAE Systems. It needs to come back to the negotiating table with an offer our members can accept otherwise, they will see that anger through targeted action that could impact every contract."
"competitive and affordable"
In response, BAE Systems said: “We believe the Company’s offer, which includes enhancements to pay and pensions, is not only fair and reasonable, but it ensures that our colleagues continue to receive market-leading pay and reward, while balancing our need to be competitive and affordable for our customers.”