United Kingdom - Pay victory after strike action - March 31, 2026

Members of Unite the union at the aerospace factories of BAE Systems at Warton and Samlesbury have secured a pay rise worth 6% overall as well as additional annual leave and a one-off payment. Staff had been furious at the lack of a fair pay award after seeing colleagues in other parts of the BAE business being awarded pay rises and decided to take industrial action to make their unhappiness known. Despite attempts by BAE in the High Court to try and block a strike, workers shut down the factories repeatedly in December, January and February. Staff have been awarded a 4.8% award backdated to 1 January and a further 0.75% from 1 October 2026. All staff will receive an additional day of annual leave while Unite members receive a one-off further days leave.  All staff are due to receive a one-off £ 500 (€ 573) and a half-hour earlier finish time each day.

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