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Members of the Unite union working at the UK's nuclear naval base at Faslane on the Gareloch have vote overwhelmingly for strike action after being offered a 'derisory' below-inflation wage increase of just 1%
The workers, employed by Babcock Marine, will lay down tools for the first time in 42 years the union said, adding that the action could have 'significant' implications for the running of the base as well as armaments sites at Coulport and Faslane.
The union and the workers are angered that despite making healthy profits, their employer Babcock Marine is 'hiding' behind public sector cuts with their 1% offer. Babcock say they have to peg pay awards in line with Government pay conditions. The workers clearly disagree with this.
“Workers on the Clyde deserve better than the below inflation pay cut Babcock wants to impose on them and this overwhelming mandate for strike action is a reflection of their anger." said Ian Waddell, Unite National Officer
“This is a conscientious, highly skilled collective that understands the unique challenges of their working environment and have consistently worked with the employer down the years to help deliver sustainability for both Babcock and the MoD on the Clyde.
“It is shameful that Babcock is trying to hide behind the MoD and say its hands are tied by the contractual arrangements, forcing a pay cut which is not only derisory but patently unfair in comparison with the consolidated above-inflation deals settled at Devonport and Rosyth.
“Put simply, we cannot accept regressive public sector pay policy being imposed on private sector workers and Babcock Marine should stand up for the loyal workforce.
“It’s not too late to reach a negotiated settlement - and we are ready to do this with the company directly or at Acas - but quite rightly workers at Faslane and Coulport are not prepared to be the poor relations of a very profitable family.”
The union says they will now hold mass meetings with the workforce before confirming a schedule for strike action.
Faslane is home to the UK's fleet of nuclear weapons submarines whilst Coulport is a major supply depot for the systems.
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