Thousands of aerospace workers across the UK have launched strike action against defence giant Leonardo, protesting a pay offer they contend is a significant real-terms cut amid soaring company profits. Picket lines formed in Edinburgh, with similar scenes reported at sites across Scotland and England.
The industrial action follows the rejection of a 3.6 per cent pay rise, which the Unite union branded 'well below' inflation. Unite highlighted that this offer comes as Leonardo UK consistently reports hundreds of millions of pounds in profit each year. In Edinburgh, workers gathered at the Crewe Road North site entrances, displaying placards and red Unite banners, and were met with supportive honks from passing vehicles.
Unite regional officer Carrie Binnie said it was the first walk-out at the company for 35 years. 'Leonardo have offered a below-inflation pay rise for their staff, and this has been rejected twice now,' she said. 'They did make an improvement last week, but it was still well below inflation, and that's been rejected a second time.'
Strikes are scheduled at Leonardo facilities in Yeovil, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Basildon and Luton on 12 and 13 November, with further strikes at Edinburgh and Basildon on several dates up to 25 November, and at Yeovil from 25 to 28 November. A Leonardo spokesperson expressed disappointment that the revised offer was not accepted and said the company has taken steps to minimise disruption.
