BAE reaches pay deal with striking workers

BAE Systems workers in Lancashire have won an above inflation pay rise after months of strikes.

Members of the Unite union at the defence giant’s factories at Warton and Samlesbury have secured a pay rise worth six per cent overall as well as additional annual leave and a one-off payment.

It follows industrial action involving hundreds of workers throughout December, January and February.

Staff in the professional services areas of BAE Systems, including aerospace engineers, were angered that they were give a deal below a pay offer accepted by shop floor workers. 

Unite general sectary Sharon Graham said: “It has taken a courageous stance from our workers on a picket line to win this award. They should be congratulated for standing together and winning a pay rise they truly deserve.”

 Staff have been awarded a 4.8 per cent award backdated to January 1 and a further 0.75 per cent from October 1, 2026.

All staff will get an additional day of annual leave while Unite members will receive a one-off further day’s leave. All staff are due to receive a one-off £500 payment and a half-hour earlier finish time each day.

Unite regional officer Ross Quinn said: “This has been a hard-fought victory against an employer that tried every trick in the book to avoid paying our members what they deserved.”

A spokesman for BAE Systems said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with this trade union group.

“As the UK's sovereign provider of combat air capability, our people continue to play a crucial role in supporting the UK Armed Forces and its allies.”