Workers at Leonardo UK, a prominent defence and aerospace manufacturer, are preparing to strike in November in a pay dispute that has escalated after the company declined to improve its wage offer.
Represented by Unite, more than 3,000 employees across Leonardo’s facilities in Scotland and England will participate in the walkout. Key sites affected include Edinburgh, Newcastle, Yeovil, Luton, and Basildon. The strikes are scheduled from November 5–6 and will continue intermittently through to November 18, depending on the location.
Leonardo’s Edinburgh facility plays a critical role in producing advanced radar systems for military aircraft, underscoring the workforce’s importance in defence projects. Despite this, union members rejected the company’s initial 3.2% pay offer, viewing it as a real-terms pay cut amidst rising living costs.
READ MORE: Johann van Graan Praises Ollie Lawrence’s Impact in Bath’s Convincing Win
READ MORE: Bridgwater School Makes Significant Progress Following Ofsted Improvement Notice
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham emphasized the skilled nature of the workforce and their contribution to vital aerospace systems, stating, “Our members are highly skilled and work on critical defence and aerospace systems, yet are being short-changed by a company making billions.” She condemned Leonardo’s refusal to present a fair pay offer, warning that the company will face strong picket lines outside its factories.
In response, Leonardo expressed disappointment over the planned industrial action but affirmed its commitment to minimizing disruption for its customers. The company highlighted that its pay proposal offers up to 9.2% over two years through a combination of fixed and variable pay elements. Leonardo also signaled a willingness to resume constructive talks with Unite to reach an agreement.
This ongoing dispute reflects the broader tensions between defence industry workers demanding fair compensation and companies balancing financial constraints amid changing economic conditions.