UNION members at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) have voted strongly in favour of conducting industrial action, the latest move in an ongoing pay dispute.
Members of Prospect who work at AWE, which has its headquarters in Aldermaston, have voted in favour of striking, with more than two-thirds agreeing to take industrial action.
A vote saw 67% of members vote to strike, with 33% voting against, but 82% voted in favour if action short of a strike, with 18% voting against, and a turnout of 61%.
AWE is an arms-length body of the Ministry of Defence, and supports and maintains the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
This means it has freedom on pay awards, but the company is not currently negotiating on pay, and presented a 6% pay rise offer instead.
The Prospect union says this falls “well below” their expectations and that there has been no reason given by AWE for their refusal to negotiate.
It also says it has “repeatedly warned” the company that it will experience difficulty recruiting and retaining staff if pay demands are not met, and argues that AWE already pays for a “large number” of contractors and loses a high number of staff to other employers.
Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, said: “Our members at AWE have been left with no option but to take this action after years of stagnating pay.
“It is simply unbelievable that within the organisation responsible for maintaining our nuclear deterrent, people are struggling with the basic cost-of-living.
“We have also seen a disappointing lack of proper engagement from the employer, typified by the pay offer being presented as a done deal, with no rationale given for the number, nor any space for negotiation.”
He added: “If the MoD and AWE don’t think again and make a pay offer that reflects the still rocketing cost-of-living, there is a real risk that AWE will struggle to recruit and retain the skills that it needs.”
A spokesperson for AWE said: “We are disappointed that members of the Prospect Trade Union have voted for industrial action.
“Pre-planned contingency measures will be implemented as required to maintain the safety and security of our sites and operations – this remains our highest priority.
“Our offer remains competitive, and we continue to encourage Prospect to put the detail of the full and final pay deal to its members for consideration”.
