Aerospace defence staff walk out in major three-week strike over 'unfair' pay

Unite had called off previous strikes to allow talks to take place as an act of goodwill, which “has been thrown back in their faces by an employer seeking to play games and undermine negotiations”.

The defence giant claims its pay and reward offer is market-leading and said it is "committed to maintain open and constructive engagement with trade unions".

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: "BAE Systems should be ashamed of itself - instead of taking part in constructive talks it has insisted on game-playing tactics in a poor attempt at union-busting.

“Our members are having none of it - they know that BAE Systems makes billions from government contracts and they would like their fair share.”

The first wave of industrial strike action occurred from November 5 to January 28, with another 550 workers having joined the cause to strike to make their anger heard.

Ross Quinn, Unite regional officer, said: "Unite went into these negotiations in good faith and even halted previous strikes, yet BAE Systems continues to act in bad faith with no real desire to resolve this dispute.

“Their actions mean workers' anger continues to grow and strikes will now resume with hundreds of workers while many more refuse to work overtime, train others or travel.

“This won't end until BAE Systems come to their senses."

Reports find BAE Systems made over £3billion in profits across 2024, up from £2.7billion the year before, and pays its CEO over £11million per year, with a recent trading statement showing shareholders received £1.5billion in dividends in 2025.

Workers had a pay deal of 3.6 per cent imposed against their will and below the rate of inflation, which the union claimed “represents a real term pay cut".

Staff who work within the professional services areas of BAE Systems, including aerospace engineers, are furious that this is also below a pay offer made and accepted by BAE Systems shop floor colleagues, who reportedly received a 4.5 per cent increase and an additional day of annual leave.

The aerospace firm lost a High Court bid in November to prevent employees from walking out at its Lancashire factories, having previously said its 3.6 per cent pay offer was "fair".

A spokesman said: "Our priority remains to protect our people, our business and deliver on our commitments to our customers.

"We believe the company's 2025 offer, which included enhancements to pay and pensions was fair and ensured that our employees continued to receive market-leading pay and reward, while balancing our need to be competitive and affordable for our customers.

"Our production lines remain operational and we expect them to remain so during this period."

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