Rugby GE Steam workers celebrate pay win

A long-running pay dispute at the GE Steam plant in Rugby has ended after a pay deal was secured by Unite.

More than 75 workers had been taking intermittent strike action since April this year over flexible working payments and other financial issues.

The dispute was settled after the company agreed to provide a number of one-off payments to the workers that comes to a total of £15,600 for each worker.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Our members at GE Steam stood on the picket line for months and their determination and solidarity paid off with this significant pay deal.

“This great result is yet another reminder that Unite’s absolute focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is winning for our members.”

The Rugby site, which was founded in 1897, manufactures industrial plant steam turbine equipment, including for use on the UK’s nuclear submarines.

Unite regional officer Zoe Mayou added, “By standing together in their union, our members forced the company back into negotiations and secured this well-deserved deal. This victory shows that those wishing to improve their wages and working lives should join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”

By Ryan Fletcher