TRADE union Unite has confirmed that strike action involving over 30 members contracted to work on the new type 26 Frigate on the Clyde has been called off after a ‘significant’ pay victory.
The Unite members employed by CBL Cable Contractors Limited based at the BAE Systems Govan and Scotstoun shipyards on the Clyde secured a pay rise of £3.05 per hour. This means the lowest paid workers are set to receive a wage increase worth up to 22.8%. By July, Unite said all workers will be paid the ‘shipyard rate’ depending on their role.
The CBL contractors including electricians, labourers and cable hands were scheduled to take strike action through the months of January, February and March. The dispute centred on Unite demanding the workers be paid the BAE Systems shipyard rate, or an additional £1 per hour on top of the current rates of pay. The dispute also involved travel-related payments.
Stevie Dillon, Unite regional coordinator, said, “The deal was overwhelmingly backed by the membership and it’s a great way to start the new year.”
The UK Ministry of Defence awarded a £4.2 billion contract to BAE Systems in November 2022 to manufacture the next five City Class Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy in Glasgow. The contract is estimated to sustain more than 4,000 jobs across BAE Systems and the wider UK maritime supply chain.
