Britain's defence sector is bracing for significant disruption as hundreds of skilled workers at Leonardo's UK sites prepare for coordinated strike action following the collapse of pay negotiations.
The Italian-owned defence giant, which holds crucial Ministry of Defence contracts, faces widespread walkouts after workers overwhelmingly rejected what union officials describe as a "completely inadequate" pay offer.
Nationwide Industrial Action Looms
Unite the Union has confirmed that its members at Leonardo sites in Edinburgh, Crewe, Basildon, and Yeovil have voted decisively in favour of strike action. The dispute centres on a pay offer that workers argue fails to address the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham didn't mince words, stating: "Leonardo is an extremely wealthy company that can and should be paying its workforce a fair pay increase. Our members are simply not prepared to accept a real terms pay cut during a cost of living crisis when the company is doing so well."
Critical Defence Operations at Risk
The impending strikes threaten to disrupt Leonardo's vital defence operations across the UK. The company plays a crucial role in Britain's national security, manufacturing advanced electronics for military aircraft and providing maintenance for the Ministry of Defence's AW159 Wildcat helicopter fleet.
Unite regional officer Bob MacGregor emphasised the workers' importance: "Leonardo's defence workers are essential to UK security and their work generates massive profits for the company. They deserve a fair share of the wealth they create."
Breakdown in Negotiations
The dispute escalated after what the union characterizes as the company's refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations. Despite Leonardo's healthy financial performance - reporting profits of £1.2 billion in its latest accounts - the company has maintained what workers see as an unreasonable position on pay.
MacGregor added: "Strike action will inevitably cause severe disruption to Leonardo's UK operations but this dispute is entirely of the company's own making. It has had every opportunity to make our members a fair offer but has chosen not to do so."
What Happens Next?
With strike dates yet to be announced, there remains a window for last-minute negotiations. However, union representatives have made it clear that without a substantially improved offer, widespread industrial action appears inevitable.
The situation represents one of the most significant industrial disputes currently facing the UK's defence manufacturing sector and could have ripple effects across the industry as workers seek pay increases that keep pace with inflation.
