GMB members working at Cammell Laird Shipyard have voted in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay and working conditions.
On January 26 and 29, 500 workers will walk out of the shipyard if no resolution is found. The dispute relates to a claim against pay and working conditions in 2017.
GMB organiser Albie McGuigan said: “The Joint Trade Unions pay claim was submitted on May 8 2017 to allow plenty of time to achieve a settlement for the anniversary date of July 6. We eventually received an offer June 29 which showed a complete disregard to the content of our claim.
“Since then we have met company representatives on numerous occasions and offered to amend our claim in various ways over a multi-year deal if they are willing to negotiate their position. However, it became increasingly obvious that their one and only offer was not negotiable.
“Therefore we had no option but to run a consultative ballot, resulting in a massive rejection. After reflecting on this result we moved onto a full ERS industrial action ballot which produced a clear mandate for strike action.
“We have a further meeting arranged to seek resolution. However if this is not successful the workers will down tools on January 26 and 29 for 24-hour periods, with further dates planned in February.
“No one wants to take strike action – but our members are angry. They have been backed into a corner by management are seeking to improve their terms and protect their livelihoods.”