GMB responds to BAe winning multi-billion Australian warships contract

GMB, the shipbuilding union, has welcomed BAE securing a multi-billion pound contract from the Australian government to build nine new warships.

The British defence giant beat Italian and Spanish rivals to win a large slice of the £19.6bn ($25.7bn; A$35bn) spending programme. [1]

The Government must now act on GMB’s Turning the Tide report and pledge to keep a crucial £1 billion order for three new military support ships in the UK shipyards, creating or securing up to 6,700 jobs and also support other British industries, including steel. [2]

Ross Murdoch, GMB National Officer, said:

 “GMB welcomes this as a victory for world class UK design work, which could lead to future export orders.

 “But we now need the Government to commit to UK design and build of the £1billion Fleet Solid Support ships to secure jobs and prosperity for UK shipbuilding communities and wider UK supply chain, including steel.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44649959

[2] http://www.gmb.org.uk/turning-the-tide.pdf