Workers to strike over offer of 3% pay rise
AROUND 170 British Engines workers in Newcastle and South Tyneside are set to strike for six days over pay later this month.
The strikes will impact three British Engines businesses; BEL Engineering in Newcastle, and Rotary Power and Michell Bearings in Jarrow. Union Unite says workers are angry at being offered a 3% pay rise and each workplace voted overwhelmingly for strike action in three separate ballots.
The union claims the offer is a real-terms pay cut given that the rate of inflation is still above 4%. They also say that due to five years of below-inflation pay deals, workers wages have fallen by 18% in real terms since 2019.
British Engines’ latest financial report shows that the company returned an operating profit of £4.4m in 2022, and £5.4m in 2021. Strikes will impact supply chains for aerospace, civil nuclear, oil and gas, defence and marine industries.
BEL Engineering provides specialist engineering design and manufacturing services, Rotary Power produces hydraulic motors and pumps, and Michell Bearings makes hydrodynamic bearings.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “British Engines’ workers are sick and tired of seeing their pay go down year after year while the company makes millions in profits. British Engines can afford to put forward a fair deal and our members are absolutely right to strike for one. They have Unite’s total support in taking industrial action for a reasonable pay rise.”
A spokesperson from the companies said: “We offer highly competitive salaries within the sectors that the businesses operate and believe that the proposal we have made is fair and reasonable. Last year the businesses awarded a 7% pay rise applied early to provide timely support to all of our employees, on top of competitive sector increases in prior years.
“It is disappointing that the Unite members of the three businesses have chosen to undertake industrial strike action from May 24, despite multiple offers aimed at reaching a resolution.
“We remain dedicated to investing in the businesses in terms of people, processes and facilities for their long-term sustainability and will continue to work with members to seek a resolution.”
The strike action is set to begin on May 24.