Serco defence workers to decide next move in pay dispute
Serco workers on Ministry of Defence (MoD) contracts at three Lincolnshire RAF bases will be deciding on the next steps this week in their campaign against a paltry one per cent pay offer.
More than 100 employees, members of Unite, the country's largest union, at the Cranwell, Scampton and Digby bases started an overtime ban on Friday (9 August).
The members voted by a margin of 89 per cent to take industrial action, after rejecting the below inflation one per cent pay offer for 2013.
The workforce branded the offer an insult after the company announced an increase in contracts and massive profits, as well as a massive £4 million pound bonus for CEO Chris Hayman to top up his £700,000 salary, which equates to a 571 per cent increase in earnings.
The bonus is in stark contrast to Unite members who support and maintain the service sections for the MoD, via Serco, and earn an average £18,000-a-year. They want recognition for their part in the achievements of the company.
Unite regional officer Steve Syson said:
"Once again we see business rewarding its bosses to extortionate levels, while leaving workers in the doldrums, facing increases in their living costs with a below inflation pay offer.
“This comes after job reductions at the sites and the introduction of zero hours contracts. The result has been increasing workloads for remaining staff and less real pay in their pockets to support their families.
“Our members started an overtime ban on Friday and will be deciding in the coming days how best to step up their industrial action, given the paltry pay offer from this highly profitable company.
“We remain committed to seeking a resolution to this dispute and trust that Serco recognises the important part staff have played in making the company a success and gives them a decent pay rise.
“We would urge the company to engage meaningfully and avoid disruptive action.”
The jobs that Unite members do at the bases include fire and ambulance services, aircraft servicing, HGV and car drivers, and warehousing essential weapons.
