Prospect details actions in AWE walkout

Prospect members at the Atomic Weapons Establishment will take part in a picket, rally and march as part of a 24-hour strike on Monday.

The decision to go ahead with the strike on November 14 was taken in light of AWE’s failure to improve its “derisory” pension offer after it took the decision to replace the defined benefit pensions scheme with a defined contribution alternative. That alternative is worse that the DC scheme currently available to staff.

• Picket 0700 – 1400: Main Gate, Falcon Gate, West Gate, and Boiler House Gate at Aldermaston; Pingewood Gate and the Mearings at Burghfield.
• Rally 1100: Prospect’s deputy general secretary Dai Hudd, and AWE negotiator Richard Tabbner will address members in the Rec Soc car park at Aldermaston.
• March: After the rally members will march from the Rec Soc to the Main Gate before turning left onto the main road and following a circular route taking in a path along the perimeter fence.

Prospect negotiator Richard Tabbner said: “Despite an overwhelming ballot mandate for strike action, we had hoped to avoid this through further discussion and an improved offer.

“The strike will clearly demonstrate the strength of feeling members have about the derisory offer currently on the table to replace the defined benefit pension.”

Tabbner added: “Prospect takes its responsibilities very seriously and has been working closely with the police to ensure we have an effective demonstration while ensuring that we have a minimal impact on the local community”.

The 24-hour strike will be immediately followed on November 15 by indefinite action short of a strike. Action will be coordinated with Unite members in AWE.

Background

Some 87% of members who took part in the ballot voted in favour of strike action, with 94% backing action short of a strike. Turnout was 68%.

Prospect is the main trade union representing employees at AWE, which makes the UK’s nuclear deterrent. It has consistently called for defence ministers to intervene, arguing that they have a shared responsibility given that the MoD owns AWE’s facilities, is AWE’s only customer and has direct involvement in the governance of pensions.

For further information contact:
Andrew Child
020 7902 6681 (w)
07770 304480 (m)
[email protected]