UNION members working for the Ministry of Defence's main civilian partner at HM Naval Base Clyde are set to take strike action next month in a dispute over pay and bargaining rights.
Members employed by Babcock and ISS Facility Services at Faslane and Coulport will begin a "rolling programme" of industrial action from Friday, March 12 onwards, the union says.
Unite says its members voted 95 per cent in favour of strike action on a 65 per cent turnout after a two-week ballot.
The dispute has arisen out of the union's concerns at the implications of the MoD's Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP), which Unite says puts the UK's military power and nuclear response capability at risk.
Unite claims Babcock Marine management is "refusing to engage with Unite on the future shape of the bases" following the FMSP contract decision, which is expected to be announced in April.
It is estimated that the work from the FMSP will be worth between £175-£200 million for the Clyde base.
Stephen Deans, Unite regional coordinating officer, said: “The overwhelming support for industrial action from Unite’s membership at the Clyde naval bases should be seen as a strong signal of the frustration and genuine anger felt by the workforce.
"Until this point, Babcock Marine have refused to meaningfully engage with us on pay and the future workplace relations at the bases following the outcome of the Ministry of Defence’s Future Maritime Support Programme.
READ MORE: Babcock denies union's 'gagging order' claim over Clyde naval base dispute
“Unless Babcock Marine management get back round the negotiating table and start to behave responsibly then a wave of industrial action is set to strike the bases from the middle of March. This is at a time when contracts worth up to £200m will be decided upon.
"This situation is not irretrievable or inevitable, but a change is solely dependent upon the company meaningfully engaging with Unite, and we hope they take up this final opportunity before action starts.”
A Babcock spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that our Unite trade union members at HMNB Clyde have chosen to vote for industrial action.
"Having agreed a 2020 pay deal with part of our organisation, we remain keen to continue to engage with our Unite representatives, to try and find a mutually acceptable resolution for their members.
"Keeping people safe at HMNB Clyde remains our top priority and we will continue to work closely with our customer to deliver our commitments and ensure a safe and secure environment.
"On the matter of future bargaining arrangements, we are engaged in a competitive confidential procurement process on the Future Maritime Support Programme with the Ministry of Defence.
"Only once the outcome of this competition is known can we have an informed discussion with Unite."
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