New strikes in BAE pay row amid claims of ‘bad faith’

Hundreds of aerospace workers in Lancashire are taking renewed strike action against BAE Systems in their deepening dispute over pay.

The Unite union says industrial action against the defence giant has been resumed, claiming “bad faith” negotiations over pay and conditions saw offers altered at the last minute or withdrawn entirely.

In a statement the union, which represents highly-skilled workers at BAE plants at Warton and Samlesbury, said: “Unite members had called off previous strikes to allow talks to take place as an act of goodwill but this has been thrown back in their faces by an employer seeking to play games and undermine negotiations.

“Following the first wave of industrial action from 5 November until 28 January another 550 workers were balloted and an overwhelming majority chose to strike to make their anger heard.”

The escalation will see more than 1,000 Unite members at Warton and Samlesbury take part in widespread industrial action and over 200 design team members take part in strikes that Unite says will “cripple” production.

In its latest statement, the union said the new wave of action will last until at least February 20.

General secretary Sharon Graham said: “BAE Systems should be ashamed of itself. Instead of taking part in constructive talks it has insisted on game-playing tactics in a poor attempt at union-busting. Given this comes on the back of a failed high-court injunction, our members are having none of it.

“They know that BAE Systems makes billions from government contracts and they would like their fair share.”

The row centres on a 3.6 per cent pay deal which Unite says was imposed on the workers last year against their will.

It says the deal for staff who work within the professional services areas of BAE Systems, including aerospace engineers, was below the rate of inflation and represents a real-terms pay cut.

Union officials say workers are “furious” that the deal was below a pay offer made and accepted by BAE Systems’ shop floor workers, who received 4.5 per cent increase and an additional day of annual leave.

Unite regional officer Ross Quinn said: “Unite went into these negotiations in good faith and even halted previous strikes. Yet BAE Systems continue to act in bad faith and with no real desire to resolve this dispute.

“Their actions mean workers’ anger continues to grow and strikes will now resume with hundreds of workers, while many more refuse to work overtime, train others or travel. This won’t end until BAE Systems come to their senses.”

BAE Systems has been approached for comment on the latest development. The company has said that its pay and reward offer is market-leading it is “committed to maintain open and constructive engagement with our trade unions.”

In a statement at the beginning of the dispute last year BAE Systems said its offer included enhancements to pay and pensions and had been accepted by all 18 of the other Unite bargaining groups in its UK business.

It added that it ensured employees will continue to receive “market-leading pay and reward”, while balancing the company’s need to be competitive and affordable for customers. 

A spokesperson said: “Our priority remains to protect our people, our business and deliver on our commitments to our customers.”

The company launched an unsuccessful High Court action last November in a bid to stop staff from striking