MEMBERS of the Unite and Prospect unions who work at the Atomic Weapons Establishment are set to take part in a ballot for strike action.
From Friday, November 4, to Friday, December 2, Unite members at AWE sites in Aldermaston and Burghfield will be balloted to take part in strikes.
The 900 members at the sites are currently involved in a dispute with AWE management over pay increases which they feel are inadequate.
While they have been offered a 5% increase, Unite argues that this is “a considerable real terms pay cut” when compared to inflation rates.
Prospect union also began balloting members for industrial action over pay disputes back in October, which will conclude on Monday, November 7.
With Unite’s balloting due to conclude in early December, it says strike action could take place before Christmas if voted for by members.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “The workers at AWE are highly skilled and play a crucial role in maintaining the UK’s defence capability.
“It is outrageous that their employer is trying to force through a real terms pay cut.
“Unite is now entirely focussed on enhancing the jobs, pay and conditions of its members, the workers at AWE will receive the union’s complete support.”
Unite regional co-ordinating officer, Bob Middleton, said: “Members are balloting for strike action as a last resort, the AWE has been given every opportunity to make a pay offer which meets members’ expectations but it has chosen not to.”
Mike Clancy, general secretary of Prospect, said: “Several years of deteriorating workforce engagement and stagnating pay against inflation, has left workers at AWE with no option but to move towards industrial action.
“Safely maintaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent is a complex and highly stressful operation that requires an extremely high level of dedication and training at all levels.
“It should attract a commensurate level of pay and respect for these staff who keep the country safe- staff are struggling with the basic costs of living which is unacceptable in the context of this employer and its funding.
He continued: “This is not a workforce that can bear a high level of churn while safely functioning– the jobs simply require too high a degree of training.
“If the MoD and AWE don’t think again and make a pay offer that reflects the rocketing cost of living, there is a real risk that AWE will struggle to recruit and retain the skills that it needs.”
The Atomic Weapons Establishment is a Ministry of Defence research facility responsible for the design, manufacture and support of warheads for the UK’s nuclear weapons.
