By Ryan Sands
TALKS to avert five‑day strike action at Collins Aerospace were ongoing as the Mourne Observer went to print yesterday (Tuesday). On Friday, around 400 members of the trade union Unite – believed to be about half of the aircraft seat manufacturer’s Kilkeel workforce – engaged in a one‑day picket as part of a call for “a cost‑of‑living pay increase”.
Three days later, it was confirmed that “a further five days of strikes” had been pencilled in to commence after midnight tonight (Wednesday). Discussions between Unite representatives and Collins Aerospace management, including negotiators flown in from America, got under way yesterday. It is understood that any deal will require a balloting of union members.
A Unite statement issued on Monday said that “the fresh strike dates mark an escalation of the pay dispute and follow an initial one-day strike on Friday. Workers at the aircraft seat manufacturer are demanding a cost-of-living pay increase and respect from their employer,” it read. “The five‑day strike will commence at 12.01am on Thursday 2 October and continue until 8am on Tuesday 7 October. The union has called on management to re‑engage in talks and bring forward a pay offer that meets workers’ expectations.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said that the planned escalation of action by workers at Collins Aerospace, which has two plants in Kilkeel, had confirmed “the strength of feeling”. “They want respect, and they demand a pay deal that meets the rising cost of living,” she stated. “The workers can count on the full and continuing support of Unite in their campaign to win a fair pay deal and respect.”
Two weeks ago, workers overwhelmingly rejected as inadequate a management two‑year pay deal offering 4.5 per cent and four per cent, with a one‑off payment of £1,350. Posting online during Friday’s strike, the trade union’s regional officer Neil Moore said that its members were on strike “for a decent, consolidated pay rise.” “We’ve been negotiating with management for close to 10 months now, and we still haven’t got this resolved,” he stressed. “It’s Collins’ management that have forced our workers to the gate. Collins should do the right thing and get back round the table next week with Unite and ensure that these workers are paid what they deserve.”
Unite shop stewards Jordan Ballance and Gavin Finnegan also posted from the picket line. Mr Ballance said: “We’re on strike today for fair pay in a cost-of-living crisis. It’s tough times – pay is constantly getting outdone by inflation. We’re also out here for respect.” Mr Finnegan added: “We’ve given them plenty of opportunity to turn round and get a cost of living pay rise. That has not happened, which has resulted in us taking our first day of action today, and there will be many more if action is not taken by the company.”
On Friday, Mournes councillor Michael Rice (Sinn Féin) posted: “Solidarity with the workers out on the picket line today in Kilkeel. Workers deserve a pay increase to reflect the cost-of-living crisis.” Fellow DEA councillor Jill Truesdale (Alliance) wrote: “So sad it has come to this. We are still in a cost-of-existing crisis, with workers having to supplement low wages with welfare – that is wrong. These are skilled workers ensuring your safety. Pay them what they deserve.”
Collins Aerospace and its parent company, RTX, have been contacted in relation to the dispute.
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