Supplier of advanced Royal Navy and RAF training threatened with strike action

Prospect members working at aerospace company Draken have voted to take industrial action in a dispute about pay which has failed to keep up with competitors in the industry.

Amongst other things Draken provides advanced technical training to both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. For example it has provided electronic warfare and threat simulation for Typhoon and F-35 Lightning air-to-air training, as well as a maritime strike package for the UK Carrier Group. Prospect members maintain the Falcon 20 system which is used and is vital to ensuring combat readiness.

87.5% of members, who work for example as skilled aircraft technicians and B2 engineers, voted in favour of taking strike action with 89.5% voting in favour of taking action short of a strike.

Prospect is now seeking an urgent meeting with the employer to try to find a way to resolve the dispute. Details of any dates for strike action or action short of a strike will be announced in due course unless a resolution can be achieved.

Ian Kelly, Prospect Negotiator, said:

“Our members at Draken have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action because in recent years pay has failed to keep up with industrial competitors.

“People are already voting with their feet and successfully seeking employment elsewhere so Draken really need to consider the impact this could have on the ongoing viability of the business. If this continues then their ability to provide vital training to UK forces will be impacted.

“The employer can still avoid industrial action, but we will not hesitate to do what we need to, to get a fair deal for our members.”