SHIPYARD workers on the Upper Clyde will begin a fresh wave of strike action next week amid an ongoing pay discrimination dispute.

Earlier this year, GMB store workers at BAE’s Govan and Scotstoun yards as well as at supply hubs in Linwood and Eurocentral overwhelmingly rejected a pay offer worth 3.5 per cent this year and 3 per cent in the two subsequent years.

The offer stands below that of the directly employed BAE staff they work alongside, a situation that will only exacerbate the pay gaps between in-house and outsourced workers on the sites, according to the GMB.

Announcing pickets at BAE Govan and Scotstoun yards from 6.30am on Wednesday June 24, and at BAE supply hubs in Linwood and Eurocentral on June 29, GMB Scotland organiser Rory Steel said: “The employer could easily resolve this dispute by seriously engaging with our members’ concerns and finding a fair way forward. 

“Instead, GXO seems intent on risking even further disruption to these important shipyards. 

“If the company’s managers are unwilling to acknowledge those risks or act to ease them, BAE Systems must make clear to them what is at stake. 

“These yards are built on the experience, expertise and commitment of our members and their role must be properly recognised and fairly rewarded. 

“Our members can’t accept being underpaid for the work they do. Management must ensure the long-standing pay gaps between GXO colleagues and BAE workers is first calculated and then closed.” 

A spokesperson from GXO insisted: “We believe we have put forward a proposal which is fair and competitive. 

“We remain committed to ongoing dialogue with our colleagues and are working towards a resolution. We will continue to ensure our service to our customer remains unaffected.”