Cammell Laird’s Workers Close to Strike

Business & Finance

Industrial action looms at Cammell Laird Shipyard in Birkenhead as GMB members vote to take action in pay dispute.

Cammell Laird's Workers Close to Strike

An overtime ban and other action short of a strike will begin on 11th September and if meaningful talks are not restarted there will be a 24-hour strike on 22nd September, says GMB.

560 workers at Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead have voted overwhelmingly for strike action and action short of a strike in a dispute over pay.

The ballot result has been conveyed to the company and they will be given notice shortly that action short of a strike will begin on Thursday 11th September and that if meaningful talks are not restarted there will be 24 hour strike on Monday 22nd September.

Cammell Laird specialises in military ship refit, commercial ship repair, conversions and shipbuilding. One big project in the yard is a refit job on the Royal Navy ship Fort Victoria with a delivery date in December. The company also operate in energy sector in particular the offshore wind industry and in the civil nuclear sector.

Albie McGuigan, GMB Regional Officer, said: “For the last few months GMB has been trying to improve pay and some additional terms and conditions for our members at Cammell Laird shipyard. All attempts have failed and the company’s offer is far short of our aspirations.

The members have now voted decisively for industrial action and I have conveyed this information to the company. I will be formally notifying the company shortly that an overtime ban, maximum safety and flexibility restrictions will begin on Thursday 11th September. If that does not restart meaningful dialogue we will have a 24 hour strike on Monday the 22nd September.” 

Press release, September 04, 2014; Image: Cammell Laird