Trade union Unite said more than 30 of its members employed by CBL Cable Contractors Limited based at the BAE Systems Govan and Scotstoun shipyards on the Clyde secured a pay rise of £3.05 per hour. This means the lowest-paid workers are set to receive a wage increase worth up to 22.8 per cent. By July, all workers will be paid the ‘shipyard rate’ depending on their role.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The CBL Cable workers have secured a significant victory. Let’s remember that it was only because our members were prepared to take strike action the company came back to the table with an improved offer. We are pleased the new year has begun for the CBL workforce with a pay deal secured by Unite which delivers better jobs, pay and conditions.”

The CBL contractors including electricians, labourers and cable hands were scheduled to take strike action through January, February and March.

The dispute centred on Unite demanding the workers be paid the BAE Systems shipyard rate, or an additional £1 per hour on top of the current rates of pay. The dispute also involved travel-related payments which Unite’s members are due.

The Clyde shipyards fall under the scope of the Joint Industry Board Agreement which sets the standards for employment, grading, and apprentice training in the electrical contracting industry. The agreement includes travel time and the use of a personal vehicle to travel to work which entitles workers to a mileage allowance.

Stevie Dillon, Unite regional coordinator, added: “The pay deal ensures that our CBL Cable members based in the Govan and Scotstoun yards are now on an equal footing with other BAE workers. Through the determination of our members to fight for what they were rightfully owed; the company has finally seen sense before any strike action took place. The deal was overwhelmingly backed by the membership and it’s a great way to start the new year.”

The UK Ministry of Defence awarded a £4.2bn contract to BAE Systems in November 2022 to manufacture the next five City Class Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy in Glasgow. The contract is estimated to sustain more than 4,000 jobs across BAE Systems and the wider UK maritime supply chain.