Thousands of aerospace workers across the United Kingdom have walked out in a significant strike against defence giant Leonardo, escalating a major pay dispute. Staff contend that a proposed 3.6 per cent pay rise represents a substantial real-terms cut, a point of sharp contention given the company's reported profits of hundreds of millions of pounds annually.
Picket Lines and Production Halts
The industrial action, the first at the company in 35 years, saw picket lines established at key sites including Edinburgh, with similar scenes reported across Scotland and England. In Edinburgh, workers gathered at the Crewe Road North entrances, waving red Unite banners and receiving supportive honks from passing motorists.
The strike's impact was immediate and tangible. Strikers successfully persuaded delivery drivers, including a Royal Mail van, to turn away rather than cross the picket line. A worker on the ground confirmed to the PA news agency that production at the Edinburgh facility had effectively "stopped," with many more colleagues participating in the strike from home.
A Union's Position: "No Other Choice"
Unite regional officer Carrie Binnie explained the situation, stating that Leonardo's improved offer last week was still "well below inflation" and had been rejected twice by the membership. "We had really hoped that they would come back to the table, renegotiate, meet our demands, and they’ve failed to do so, hence why we’re out on strike today," Ms Binnie said.
She emphasised that strike action is "extremely difficult" for the union's members, but they felt they had "no other choice" unless Leonardo presents a fair offer that does not amount to a pay cut. The union remains ready to speak with the company at any time and put any improved offer to its members for a vote.
Company Response and Future Strike Dates
A Leonardo spokesperson expressed disappointment that the revised pay offer, which was negotiated by senior Unite representatives, was not accepted. "Strike action is now inevitable for our Leonardo UK Basildon, Edinburgh, Luton, Newcastle and Yeovil sites," the spokesperson said, adding that the company has taken steps to minimise disruption and would welcome Unite back to the table.
The initial walkouts on 12 and 13 November will be followed by further industrial action. Key upcoming dates include:
- Further strikes at Edinburgh and Basildon on several dates running up to 25 November.
- Additional strikes at the Yeovil site from 25 to 28 November.
The dispute highlights the growing tension between corporate profitability and workers' pay amidst the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, setting the stage for a potentially prolonged period of industrial unrest within the UK's vital defence sector.
