BAE seek injunction over Unite strike
Union accuses defence giant of “strike busting” after legal bid to block action backed by thousands of workers over pay.
Unite the union has condemned BAE Systems for seeking a High Court injunction to prevent strike action, despite a successful ballot backed by thousands of workers.
The move comes after employees at BAE’s Warton and Samlesbury plants overwhelmingly voted to strike in response to a 3.6% pay offer, which Unite says falls below inflation and amounts to a real-terms pay cut. The strike is scheduled to begin on Wednesday 5 November and run until 25 November.
On Friday, BAE Systems applied for a High Court injunction in an attempt to halt the industrial action. A hearing is set to take place on Tuesday 4 November.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“Throughout the pay negotiations, BAE has treated its employees with contempt. This is despite record sales, a record share price and obscene CEO pay. Instead of coming back to the negotiating table, BAE is attempting to strongarm Unite in the courts.
“We will be standing firm at the High Court and will highlight this disgusting behaviour for what it is – strike busting, plain and simple. And Unite will not tolerate it.”
Unite members at the affected sites are taking action after rejecting the company’s offer, citing the need for fair pay amid rising living costs.
Unite regional officer Ross Quinn added:
“Unite has fulfilled every democratic stipulation and has been challenged by BAE at every step to prevent workers exercising their right to strike.
“Unite will vigorously defend our members against this latest attempt to prevent lawful industrial action taking place and we will fight to protect our members’ right to strike.”
In 2024, BAE Systems reported profits of £726 million, an 8% increase from the previous year.
A BAE Systems spokesperson said:
“We respect the right of employees to engage in lawful industrial action. We have started legal action against Unite arguing it has acted unlawfully in calling for industrial action. Whilst court proceedings are ongoing, we cannot comment further at this time. Our priority remains to protect our people, our business and deliver on our commitments to our customers.
The outcome of Tuesday’s hearing could have significant implications for the planned strike and wider industrial relations within the UK defence sector.