BAE staff begin new three-week strike action

BAE Systems workers have announced a further three-week strike in a dispute over pay.

More than 1,000 union members at the defence giant's sites in Warton and Samlesbury in Lancashire and over 200 design team members will begin strike action on Monday 2 February until at least 20 February.

The Unite Union said it was because BAE's "negotiations over pay and conditions saw offers altered at the last minute or withdrawn entirely".

In response, BAE claims its pay and reward offer is market-leading and said it is "committed to maintain open and constructive engagement with our trade unions".

Following the first wave of industrial action from 5 November until 28 January another 550 workers were balloted and chose to strike "to make their anger heard", the union said.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: "BAE Systems should be ashamed of itself.

"Instead of taking part in constructive talks it has insisted on game-playing tactics.

"Given this comes on the back of a failed high-court injunction, our members are having none of it."

The aerospace firm lost a High Court bid in November to prevent employees from walking out at its Lancashire factories.

BAE Systems previously said its 3.6% pay offer was "fair" and ensured employees "will continue to receive market-leading pay and reward".

A spokesman said: "Our priority remains to protect our people, our business and deliver on our commitments to our customers.

"We believe the company's 2025 offer, which included enhancements to pay and pensions was fair and ensured that our employees continued to receive market-leading pay and reward, while balancing our need to be competitive and affordable for our customers.

"Our production lines remain operational and we expect them to remain so during this period."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.