STRIKE threats have been lifted as workers at two nuclear naval bases have voted to accept a pay rise.
The trade union Unite said on Wednesday that the threat of strike action taking place at the Coulport and Faslane naval bases on the Clyde is now over due to a two-year pay deal being overwhelmingly backed by the workforce.
Around 600 Unite members employed by Babcock Marine, who undertake specialist services for the UK’s nuclear deterrent submarines, will now receive a 7.5% basic pay rise backdated to August last year.
In year two of the deal, a £1350 consolidated payment will be applied for a period of 12 months until the end of July 2025. This equates to an average increase of 3.95% along with a commitment by Babcock Marine to work on delivering a four-day working week based on 36 hours.
There is also an increase of 15.8% being applied to specific shift allowances across the two-year deal which will further boost take-home pay.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham (below) said: “Unite’s membership at the Coulport and Faslane naval bases fully deserve credit for their resolve and standing firm until a better wage increase was secured.
“The two-year pay deal will deliver better jobs, pay and conditions, and it has the overwhelmingly support of our 600-strong membership at Babcock Marine on the Clyde.”
James O’Connell, Unite industrial officer, added: “Unite has successfully negotiated an improved wage deal for our Babcock Marine membership.
“The deal across both years represents an above inflation increase, and this was only possible due to the determination of our members.
“We are currently working with Babcock Marine to deliver a four-day week which will also significantly improve the working environment for our members at the naval bases."
Babcock Marine was awarded a contract in March 2021 by the Ministry of Defence to provide services for the nuclear weapon system at Coulport, as well as the Strategic Weapon Support Building at Faslane.
