Prospect and TUC visit to BAE Systems Washington site
In February, senior union leaders from Prospect and the TUC union visited the BAE Systems Washington site, which is a key facility in the production of military munitions for the UK Ministry of Defence.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, fourth from right, and Prospect Senior Deputy General Secretary Sue Ferns, fourth from left
The delegation, which included Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect and Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, met for discussions with BAE’s industrial relations leadership, Prospect reps and a tour of the facility.
Prospect’s local branch chair, Ian Bond, played a key role in helping to arrange the visit and he also met with the TUC General Secretary to discuss key aspects of the business and its position within the UK Defence industry.
The Washington facility forms part of BAE Systems’ extensive UK munitions manufacturing footprint, supplying a range of critical ammunition — from small arms rounds to artillery shells — across the UK. These products are vital to national defence and to the sovereign capability of the UK’s armed forces, which our members are involved.
At the conclusion of the visit, Sue Ferns emphasised the vital contribution of UK defence workers:
“Prospect places immense value on the dedication, skill and professionalism of workers in the defence sector. The manufacture of defence equipment is not only central to the security of our nation but supports thousands of quality jobs across the UK, anchoring local communities and contributing strongly to our economy.
“Our members in this vital industry deserve recognition, fair representation and investment that secures their futures and strengthens the UK’s industrial base.”
The visit provided a constructive forum for union leaders and BAE Systems to explore shared priorities, from workplace representation and industrial relations, to the importance of long-term investment in sovereign defence manufacturing and skills development.
Prospect remains committed to advancing the interests of defence workers and ensuring that the UK’s defence industry continues to thrive as a cornerstone of national security and economic certainty for our members.
