Hundreds of BAE Systems Engineers in Lancashire Set to Strike Over Pay Dispute

Workers at BAE Systems' Warton and Samlesbury sites in Lancashire, represented by the Unite union, have voted to strike from November 5 to 25 due to a rejected pay offer of 3.6%, which they argue is below inflation and amounts to a real-terms pay cut. The strike will involve approximately 400 members across four sections including manufacturing and quality control, expected to bring production at both sites to a standstill. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham criticized BAE Systems for prioritizing shareholder profits and high CEO pay while offering insufficient wage increases to workers. BAE Systems maintains that the pay offer is fair, having been accepted by other bargaining groups and reflecting a 25% pay rise since 2019. Additionally, workers plan to cease overtime, off-site travel, additional training, and voluntary roles as part of their industrial action. The union demands that BAE Systems return to negotiations with an improved pay offer to avoid further strike action.