Nearly 200 workers employed by SPS Technologies in Leicester will begin strike action later this month, Unite, the union, has said.
The shopfloor workers, who produce specialist nuts, bolts, pins, screws and collars for the aerospace and defence industries, have rejected a two year pay rise of seven per cent plus a £400 one off payment.
The workers, some of whom are on the minimum wage, says Unite, are demanding a significant increase in pay.
SPS Technologies is part of Precision Castparts Corp (PCC), which had revenues of $9.3 billion in 2023. PPC is owned by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, which has cash reserves of $277 billion.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Low paid SPS workers have suffered years of below inflation pay rises and they have had enough. SPS is part of an unimaginably wealthy corporate empire and can absolutely afford to put forward a fair pay rise.
“Unite SPS members’ have their union total support in taking strike action.”
All out indefinite strike action at SPS Technologies’ Barkby Road site will begin on 21 August. The strikes will impact supplies for Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Avio Aero, Leonardo, GKN and BAE.
Unite regional officer Lee Purslow said: “SPS’ clients will not be happy that their supply chains are facing disruption because the company is refusing to pay its workers properly. Industrial action could still be avoided, but SPS must put forward an offer that is acceptable to our members.”
