GMB has warned that the frigate manufacturing programme at BAE Systems on the Upper Clyde could be stalled by strike action next week, unless conciliation talks with subcontractor firm Wincanton deliver an improved pay offer for 50 store operatives.
Ahead of a planned 24-hour strike from 6am on 19 October, union reps will attend ACAS this Monday seeking to end a "two-tier pay structure" among the staff who distribute trades and safety equipment to workers at the Govan and Scotstoun yards.
A pay gap of over £4 an hour exists, with majority of subcontractors currently paid just £9.90 an hour, while a dozen staff previously transferred from BAE Systems are paid more than £14 an hour. GMB is calling on Wincanton to equalise the hourly rate and the value of this year’s pay offer for all staff.
