Thousands to be balloted for strike action over pay

Thousands of professional and office workers at BAE Systems in Lancashire are set to be balloted for strike action over a pay dispute.
SITE: BAE Systems in WartonSITE: BAE Systems in Warton
SITE: BAE Systems in Warton

The dispute is over a three per cent pay rise - which the company says is ‘fair’ but unions claim it is not ‘good enough’.

In total, the firm’s Warton and Samlesbury sites in Lancashire employ 6,000 people.

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The professionals rejected the three percent pay offer made in April last year, but manual workers at the sites accepted that figure.

Union representative John Cameron said the ballot is likely to take place in the next week to 10 days.

He said: “The reps and members have constantly told us it’s not good enough. We are reflecting their views.

“We had a consultative ballot, over 3,000 were balloted, that was the result. We are where we are. I don’t think it will take a great deal to resolve the dispute.”

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A BAE spokesman said: “BAE Systems recognises the contribution of our employees and we are proud that our excellent terms and conditions of employment reflect this. Our rates of pay and other benefits compare very favourably with the national marketplace.

“We believe that our offer of a 3 per cent general pay increase is fair and meaningful and compares favourably with the national average.

“We are saddened that despite extensive negotiations with the Warton/Samlesbury professional staff’s trade union we has failed to reach an agreement on the 2013 pay deal.

“We will continue working to secure the right outcome for our employees and to ensure that we deliver the performance necessary to underpin the long-term, sustainable success of our business.”