Nine weeks of strike action suspended at Rolls Royce Barnoldswick

Rolls Royce picket line
Rolls Royce picket line
Spread the love

Unite members are considering a landmark deal

Nine weeks of strike action has been suspended at the Rolls-Royce factory in Barnoldswick, as Unite members look at landmark deal that would save 350 jobs and give the site a bright future.

The Barnoldswick workers knew the removal of the work from the site without equivalent work to replace it would mean the end of the Barnoldswick site. They organised a magnificent campaign to defend it and save the local economy, which is heavily dependent on the plant. 

The workforce are meeting this week to decide on acceptance of the deal.

Announcing the suspension of the strike, Unite assistant general secretary for manufacturing Steve Turner, who led the team that negotiated the agreement, said: “This workforce, their union and this community have battled long and hard for a brighter future and there is now very real hope of this on the horizon.

“For many of our members, this breakthrough will be an emotional time as the security that they can continue to provide for their families inches closer.

“We are suspending the strike action which has been underway at the site for eight weeks so that our members can look at the detail of the proposals and come to a decision when they meet next week.

 “We are advising our members that this deal comes with the unanimous backing of the shop floor leadership, which is an overwhelming reflection of this union’s confidence in the proposals.

“Every minute of the past nine weeks, this workforce, their friends and neighbours and their union have battled for a brighter future. 

“The determination and courage that they have shown, even in the bleakest of moments, has been inspiring and I am hugely proud to represent these workers and play our part in giving this community a future.

“I hope working people everywhere take inspiration from this dispute. Never give up, there is always hope – and Unite will fight for you with every step of the way.

 “We look forward to resuming discussions with the members at the earliest possibility as we continue the work of securing a great future for this site so that it can continue to play its part in the successful rebuilding of UK manufacturing.”

Rolls Royce is the major employer in Barnoldswick and the factory, the cradle of the jet engine, has been in operation since 1943.