Ukrainian MP backs munitions depot employees set to strike
A
Ukrainian MP has backed employees at a Scottish munitions depot who’re set to strike subsequent month.
Staff on the Defence Equipment & Support (DES) website in Beith, North Ayrshire, will stroll out between August 4 and seven after 93% of them backed strike motion.
According to the GMB union, workers are cut up into two classes, craft and non-craft employees, with the previous tasked with assembling weapons and the latter transporting them throughout the website and loading shipments.
Retention bonuses, the union claims, are paid to managers and craft workers, however non-craft employees – who earn lower than £21,000 per yr – don’t obtain the funds, that means the pay hole between the 2 classifications has tripled to £18,000.
The work being finished by GMB Scotland members at Beith couldn’t be extra vital to Ukraine as we battle for our freedom
Strikes – just like the two-day walkout earlier this month – will affect on the provision of Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles to Ukraine in its battle towards the Russian invasion, however a high-profile MP from the nation has backed the employees on the depot.
Lesia Vasylenko, who determined to coach in the usage of weapons to defend Ukraine and made plenty of appearances within the UK to drum up assist, stated: “The work being done by GMB Scotland members at Beith could not be more important to Ukraine as we fight for our freedom.
“I thank every one of them for their efforts, support their fight for fairness and urge managers to quickly negotiate an end to this dispute and ensure their crucial work continues.”
Her intervention comes after Ukrainian commerce unions despatched their assist to the employees on the depot earlier this week.
GMB Scotland organiser Chris Kennedy stated: “It is regrettable that MPs and trade unions in Ukraine have a far better understanding and greater appreciation of the importance of our workers’ role than their managers.
“Their support is great appreciated and we would urge the Ministry of Defence to properly understand the implications of this dispute and negotiate to end what has become a two-tier system.
“This is the first strike at DES and management should listen to the voices being raised in support of our members, from Scotland to Ukraine, and negotiate a settlement that treats workers with fairness and respect.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated: “The strikes will have no effect on our ability to provide capability to Ukraine.
“Pre-planned contingency measures are being implemented at DM Beith to ensure the continued operation of the site. We remain open to dialogue with GMB to discuss the issues raised and work towards resolving them.”