Unite is celebrating the success of the long-running campaign to
secure the future of the historic Rolls-Royce factory of
Barnoldswick in Lancashire.
Following a ballot the workers at the factory have accepted an
enhanced agreement, extending protections previously secured in
2020, including a commitment that there will be no compulsory
redundancies for five years and manufacturing will be undertaken
on the site for at least 10 years.
This is a substantial achievement given that the future of the
plant, which is the cradle of the jet engine, was left hanging in
the balance in early 2020 when Rolls-Royce announced that they
intended to remove much of the work from the factory and transfer
it to Singapore.
Following that announcement there was a period of protracted
strike action at the factory that led to an agreement and
guarantees that the workforce subsequently believed was not being
honoured. Further selective strike action this summer led to
today’s enhanced protections and further commitments for the
long-term future of the site.
Unite assistant general secretary said: “This
is a tremendous achievement for the workers at Barnoldswick who
have stood solidly in support of one another and their community
in the fight for a long-term future and cast iron guarantees for
their plant.
“Through the leadership of their shop stewards and
local Unite officer, a confident, well organised workforce have
once again demonstrated their willingness to act collectively and
win. This dispute should act as an inspiration to all facing
similar challenges as we transition to a greener
economy.
“From the very outset of this dispute, Unite has
always fundamentally believed that Barnoldswick could and should
have a viable long-term future and the deal reached between the
union and the management at Rolls-Royce has secured that
aim.”
A notable factor in Unite’s successful campaign was the strong
support the workers received from the entire local community. As
there was a clear understanding that Rolls-Royce’s continued
presence was essential for the town’s continued prosperity.
Unite regional officer Ross Quinn said:
“This has been a long and complex
campaign but the commitment, determination and passion of our
union on-site has secured this fantastic result for the whole
community
“Unite is looking forward to working closely with
Rolls-Royce to ensure that the deal that has been agreed is fully
implemented and to ensure that the Barnoldswick factory has a
bright and long-term future.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
During the coronavirus crisis
Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend
jobs and to protect incomes.
