Type 26 frigates built at Cammel Laird could also be delayed due to industrial action over pay and conditions

Royal Navy Dreadnought submarines and Type 26 frigates built at Cammell Laird shipyard are set for delays after workers today [Monday 20 November 2023] voted to strike.

More than 400 members of GMB and Unite unions are ready to walk out in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Workers include welders, pipefitters, electricians, fitters, labourers and cleaners as well as office staff voted to strike with a majority of 94 per cent [GMB] and 96 per cent [Unite]

They had been offered a pay increase of just 6 per cent – a real terms pay cut when inflation has been over ten per cent earlier this year.

Any industrial action would see significant delays to the construction process of

Dreadnought submarines and Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy as well as Seatruck, Stenna and Calmac ferries and support vessels for the oil and gas industry.

Dates for strike action will be announced in due course.

Albie McGuigan, GMB Organiser, said:

“These are skilled workers doing vital work for the Royal Navy and the commercial sector.

“Yet because of Cammell Laird’s poor response to their pay claim and unnecessary delays they’re struggling to keep up with the cost of living.

“It’s no wonder they’re frustrated, angry and have voted to strike with a huge majority.”

Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary, said:

“Cammell Laird has signed contracts worth hundreds of millions with the UK Government to build and maintain their ships, yet thinks it can get away with cutting our members’ pay in real terms.

“Unite won’t stand for such behaviour or any attempts by management to bully, harass or discriminate against our members.”