Airbus Filton first responders strike postponed for talks

Securitas first responders working at Airbus’ Filton site have postponed strikes on Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1 over contract changes that would result in wage losses of up to £6,000, to allow last minute talks to go ahead.

Negotiations will take place between the workers’ union, Unite, and Securitas and the first responders will work as normal. If a solution is not found then strikes will resume on Wednesday, December 2.

The 10 first responders and Unite members, who voted unanimously in favour of strike action, have been told that if they do not accept the changes, which also include reductions to holidays and sick pay, they will lose their jobs.

Securitas has blamed the coronavirus pandemic for the decision and says Airbus supports the plans to dissolve Filton’s first responder unit, which provides emergency cover on site, and incorporate it into the security team.

In response, the union pointed to the company’s failed attempts to disband the unit four years ago and said that Securitas is using the pandemic as an ‘excuse’.

The amended dates and times for the strike action are as follows: Wednesday, December 2 from 6am, ending on Friday, December 4 at 6pm. A second round of strike action will begin at 6am on December 14 and end at 6pm on December 17.

Unite regional officer Matt Allen said, “Airbus Filton’s first responders have agreed to postpone two days of strike action on Monday 30 November and Tuesday 1 December in order for talks between Securitas and Unite to go ahead.

“It would be in everyone’s best interests for a resolution to be found and for disruption to Airbus Filton’s operations to be avoided. Unite will enter the talks in good faith, but there must be significant movement from Securitas on this issue if strike action is to be taken off the table.”

By Ryan Fletcher