By Lisa Ramsden
Workers at one of the district’s largest employers, Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel, are set to go on a 24-hour strike later this week.
Around 400 members of Unite the Union — understood to represent more than half the workforce — are expected to begin escalating strike action from Friday, amid an ongoing dispute over pay.
Unite stated that its members had “voted overwhelmingly for strike action”, following the rejection of a recent pay offer from management.
Collins Aerospace, a leading manufacturer of aircraft interiors and seating, operates two plants in Kilkeel. The union says its members are seeking a cost-of-living pay increase that maintains their skills differential, particularly in light of recent rises to the minimum wage.
Last week, workers rejected a proposed two-year pay deal from management, which included 4.5% and 4% annual increases along with a one-off payment of £1,350, branding it inadequate.
Announcing the strike action, Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said:
“Collins Aerospace workers are highly skilled and deserve to be paid fairly for the work they do. They can count on the full support of Unite in their strike for fair pay.”
Unite regional officer Neil Moore warned that any industrial action would have serious knock-on effects:
“Industrial action will cause huge disruption to Collins and its customers. Management needs to recognise the determination of their employees to secure a pay deal that delivers respect and adequately reflects their skills. The clock is counting down on a strike.”
Collins Aerospace and its parent company, RTX, have been contacted for comment.
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