Babcock pay win

Unite members employed by Babcock International at the Plymouth Devonport dockyards have secured a major pay increase to help offset the cost of living crisis.

An offer from Babcock of an across the board £1,500 per annum pay increase has been accepted by Unite’s members at the site. For the lowest paid, the deal is worth 13 per cent.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Well done to Unite’s representatives at Babcock who were instrumental in securing this deal to improve our members’ wages during this punishing cost of living crisis.

“This is yet another example of how Unite is winning for our members on pay.”

The pay increase will cover over 1,150 workers at the dockyard, spanning craft apprentices to catering staff. The workers support the Navy in the refitting of its fleet.

Significantly the pay increase, which is backdated to April, has been paid six months ahead of the normal anniversary date of October, when pay increases usually become due.

Unite regional secretary for the South West, Steve Preddy added, “This pay deal demonstrates what can be achieved when employers enter into negotiations with Unite to examine ways to tackle the cost of living crisis.

“Unite is working with other employers in the region to enter into similar agreements to protect our members. We want to work constructively with employers but those who seek to boost profits by suppressing wages are on notice – Unite will back its members to the hilt to ensure their pay and conditions are not undermined.”

Unite is dedicated to defending the jobs, pay and conditions of its members.

By Barckley Sumner