Faslane strike action postponed

Workers at nuclear naval base are set to hold talks with employers Babcock Marine

A planned strike by workers at the Faslane nuclear naval base in Scotland, home to the UK's fleet of Trident nuclear submarines, in a row over pay has been suspended.

Members of worker's union Unite at Faslane, and armament base in Coulport, were due to walk out for two hours on 19 February, but fresh talks will be held with employers Babcock Marine on 24 February.

The dispute is over the company’s attempts to impose a below-inflation 1% pay increase, but a written request to return to the negotiating table by Babcock’s senior management was accepted by Unite representatives. 

National officer Ian Waddell said: "Babcock management has said it wants to negotiate an improved, consolidated pay deal, so as a gesture of good faith we have agreed to suspend industrial action in order for discussions to take place.

"We tentatively welcome this step forward by the company and we are optimistic that Babcock now shares our desire to reach a consolidated pay deal reflective of the outstanding loyalty and service workers on the Clyde consistently give both Babcock and the Ministry of Defence."