Staff at Bristol based Babcock International to take strike action
over pay
22 May 2008
Following the acquisition of Strachan & Henshaw by Babcock
International at the end of April 2008, Unite members have given
notice to the company that they intend to take industrial action in
a dispute over pay.
Unite members have rejected a 3.25% pay offer. The union
notified the employer at 12 pm today. Unite believes that the below
inflation pay offer is woefully inadequate and is calling on the
company to enter into meaningful dialogue in order to reach a deal
which recognises the rising cost of living. The dispute involves 56
skilled engineers working in the nuclear and defence sectors.
Babcock International is also proposing the closure of a final
salary (defined benefit) pension scheme with all the current
members becoming ‘deferred members’. The company intends to replace
the scheme with a money purchase scheme (Defined Contribution) with
10% employer and 6% employee contributions.
Unite, Regional Officer, Andy McDowall says, "This pay offer is
woefully inadequate. Our members are now prepared to take strike
action unless the company reaches a deal with the union that
recognises the rising cost in living."
"Under the ownership of Strachan and Henshaw the staff had a
decent pension scheme but now Babcock Marine, the new owners, have
taken the unwise decision to reduce their new employees' deferred
pay."
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo 07768 931 315
