Industrial action hits defence giant Rolls-Royce

GMB members working on the company’s nuclear submarine programme have begun industrial action.

The action begins today, Monday 29 April, and will run for one month.

The action comes after 90 per cent of GMB members at the company supported action if company bosses failed to present a pay rise acceptable to union members.

Known as ‘work to rule’, the industrial action will see GMB members applying strict limits to working outside of pre-agreed processes.

Rolls-Royce is a world leader in the field of submarine technology, as well as being the supplier to Britain’s domestic nuclear submarine fleet. In agreement with the company, any industrial action will not jeopardise the UK’s continuous at sea nuclear deterrent, safety of submarines or operational submarines at sea.

Mick Coppin, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“Our members have begun industrial action today after weeks of company bosses refusing to bring a fair pay settlement to the table.

"These are highly skilled workers at the cutting edge of British manufacturing.

"In a year when company profits have skyrocketed, all workers are asking for is a fair days pay.

"It's time for company bosses to urgently get back around the table and fix this; our members deserve that".